The Matrixhas taken a break from science fiction in a new concept video. The beloved 1999 action movie has proven to have immense cultural influence, including Keanu Reeves' rise to prominence and the concept of a flawed simulation. TheMatrixfranchise has since enjoyed multiple sequelsand several shorts. Each provides more insight into the complex and pre-existing world of Neo’s horrifying reality. All the while, it continues to build on the established lore of the universe by remaining in familiar settings.
A new video, however, shies away from those typical settings. In fan footage generated by YouTuberJae Kingsley,the post-apocalyptic wasteland isconverted into a traditional Western:
The video is modeled off ofThe Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and it features each majorMatrixstar in Western gear. There arestill typical Wachowski-style slow-motion fights, though the characters also have standoffs with guns and lounge in taverns. It presents a unique picture within a bizarre setting.
What A Western Setting Would Mean For The Matrix
Theoretically, It Would Not Do Especially Well
It is undeniable thatThe Matrixachievedimmense success within its existing concept. It has earned a combined $1.8 billion dollars across four movies, which is an incredible accomplishment for any franchise. The concept of the inner matrix was as horrifying as the action was thrilling, which certainly led to some of the positive responses to the franchise. Unfortunately, recent years have seen the interest in these movies fade.The recentMatrix Resurrections, which was released during the COVID-19 pandemic, was an extreme box office disappointment, failing to even earn its budget back:
$63 million
$172 million
$467 million
$150 million
$282 million
$742 million
$139 million
$427 million
$190 million
$38 million
$157 million
After the disappointing release, a Western production could easily reignite interest. That would be something completely fresh and new for the franchise, which would likely draw attention. It could still struggle at the box office, considering that therecent releaseHorizon: An American Saga — Chapter Onestruggled to gain any traction. WhileYellowstoneis thriving on TV,Westerns have fallen out of favor in theaters, which is a worrying trend. IfThe Matrixdoes attempt to capitalize on the Western genre, it could be coming too late.
Our Take On The Western Matrix Concept
A Parody Could Certainly Work
WithThe Matrix 5on the way, a Western adaptation could even provide fresh insight into the characters. After all, the same setting has been explored numerous times, and the world ofThe Matrixhas been fleshed out beyond what anyone in 1999 could have imagined. A new take on the franchise could be interesting, andit could also help to reset the existing narrative. The adaptation would never have worked as an original movie, but a feature-length parody of the original concept could work brilliantly. This singular trailer, after all, was fascinating enough.
Source:Jae Kingsley
The Matrix
The Matrix is a sci-fi action franchise that launched with the Wachowskis' 1999 film. It depicts a dystopian future where humanity is unknowingly trapped in a simulated reality by sentient machines. The protagonist, Neo, discovers this truth and that he is “The One,” a being that will lead a rebellion against the machines and restore freedom to humanity.
