'Matrix 5' in development with 'The Martian' screenwriter Drew Goddard set to direct

The iconic "Matrix" film series is set for expansion with a fifth installment..

Drew Goddard is slated to steer this new chapter as the writer and director, Lana Wachowski will continue to influence the project as an executive producer, according to Variety.

The Wachowskis, who pioneered the original "Matrix" trilogy between 1999 and 2003, and Lana’s solo endeavor, "The Matrix Resurrections" in 2021, have passed the directorial baton for the first time in the series’ history.

Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures' president of production, has expressed confidence in Goddard's vision, which aims to enrich the "Matrix" universe while paying homage to the foundational work of the Wachowskis.

Goddard, whose portfolio includes notable screenplays such as "The Martian," "Cloverfield," and "World War Z," expressed his admiration for the Wachowskis' work.

He remarked on the profound impact the "Matrix" films have had on cinema and his personal creative journey, emphasizing his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking universe.

While it remains uncertain if original stars like Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, or Jada Pinkett-Smith will return, "The Matrix Resurrections" introduced a new ensemble including Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, suggesting the potential for a diverse and dynamic cast in the upcoming film.