The Matrix returned to cinemas last year after a long hiatus with The Matrix Resurrections, with Keanu Reeves, Carrie Anne Moss, and others returning to the world of conspiracies and the possibility that life is not what it seems. Although the movie was a hit, it was not quite the critical success of the original 1999 movie and was more in line with the first two sequels. While it seems that the movie franchise is now done – at least for the foreseeable future – the next appearance of The Matrix could be one nobody expected.

According to Variety, Free Your Mind will be a “large-scale immersive performance” and will be the inaugural show at the new arts venue in the north of England. The logline reads:

    “Combining the hip-hop choreography of hundreds of dancers with the latest immersive design, ‘Free Your Mind’ will take audiences on a thrilling journey through ‘The Matrix’ and into a new realm of possibilities. This eye-opening production will stretch across the building’s ultra-flexible spaces, responding to them and harnessing the collective energy of the moment.”

The Matrix Franchise Had a Mixed Reception When it Returned After Almost Two Decades

The Matrix Resurrections was the big comeback of The Matrix franchise last December, and while the movie was delayed by the Covid pandemic, when it finally arrived, it was not without issues. Although Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and others returned for the belated sequel, there were notable absences from the likes of Hugo Weaving and Laurence Fishburne. In addition to this, Warner Bros.'s decision to release the movie simultaneously in cinemas and on HBO Max resulted in a lawsuit by The Village Roadshow.

When it came to the film’s reviews, it managed to similarly please most critics and audiences with 63% approval rate from both, but most reviews admitted that the film lacked the originality of the first movie, but provided a decent enough addition to the franchise. However, thanks to the pandemic and Warner Bros. dual release decision, the film only pulled in $157 million worldwide compared to its $190 million budget.

There is no doubt that the deftly choreographed fight scenes of The Matrix will lend themselves to a theatrical dance experience, and with the project coming from Danny Boyle, who as well as directing movies like Slumdog Millionaire also directed London’s 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony, the show should be nothing short of spectacular when it makes its debut. The music for the project will be composed by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante, while Kendrick ‘H20’ Sandy acts as choreographer.