just about every ongoing production has halted for the time being. Since the situation remains extremely fluid at this point in time, there's no telling when things will return to some sort of normalcy, meaning the ramifications will likely be felt for a long time.
A few days ago, as the likes of Disney and Netflix suspended production on movies and TV shows, word was that Warner Bros. was going to keep projects like The Batman filming was put on hold, and now The Matrix 4 has followed suit.
According to Variety, The Matrix 4 production has been postponed in response to the coronavirus crisis. As is the case with similar situations, it is unknown how long this will last. The film was supposed to shoot in Berlin this week.
The Matrix 4 is currently scheduled for release in May 2021, and right now it's too early to tell if that will need to be changed. It obviously depends on how long principal photography is delayed. The movie had only recently begun shooting (has the same May 2021 release date as Matrix 4). The action sequel hadn't started filming yet, so it could get pushed back until Reeves is done with The Matrix.
It took a little longer for The Matrix 4 to officially shut down when compared to other major in-production titles, but this was always expected. As much as the filmmakers and fans were excited to return to this iconic sci-fi franchise, it simply isn't worth risking the cast and crew's health to keep working. People are being advised to stay at home and practice social distancing, and there are travel bans in effect to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It'd be borderline impossible to continue Matrix 4 production, and WB had no real choice.
Source: Variety
