The Matrix 4 confirmed with Keanu Reeves returning as futuristic hero Neo

THE Matrix fans are delighted this morning as it's revealed the sci-fi franchise will get a fourth instalment with Keanu Reeves returning as Neo.

Lana Wachowski, who penned the trilogy with sister Lilly, wrote the script for the new flick alongside Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell.

Carrie-Anne Moss is also returning as Trinity, however, there is no news on whether or not Laurence Fishburne will return as rebel leader and Neo's mentor Morpheus.

reports Warner Bros could be writing in a younger version of the character, but there are no plot details as of yet.

Lana said she is delighted to be working with the original cast members again, saying in a statement: "Many of the ideas Lilly and I explored 20 years ago about our reality are even more relevant now. I’m very happy to have these characters back in my life and grateful for another chance to work with my brilliant friends."

The director and her sister Lilly were previously known as Andy and Larry before transitioning in 2008 and 2016, respectively.

The pair are notoriously private and earlier this year Lilly penned an essay explaining why they don't do many interviews.

She wrote: "My sister Lana and I have largely avoided the press.

“I find talking about my art frustratingly tedious and talking about myself a wholly mortifying experience. I knew at some point I would have to come out publicly. You know, when you’re living as a transgender person it’s...kind of difficult to hide. I just wanted — needed some time to get my head right, to feel comfortable.”

Meanwhile, Warner Bros chairman Toby Emmerich confirmed the project yesterday. He said: “We could not be more excited to be re-entering The Matrix with Lana.

“Lana is a true visionary — a singular and original creative filmmaker — and we are thrilled that she is writing, directing and producing this new chapter in The Matrix universe.”

Filming will reportedly begin early next year, but there is no release date at present.

The hit franchise has grossed a combined $1.6billion at the box office and fans have been clamouring for another film for years.

One wrote on Twitter: "The Matrix 4 huh? I've only wanted a sequel to that franchise since I was 12."

While Louise Thompson posted: "The Matrix is back ... Woooo I never really understood the others anyway 🤓 #KeanuReeves."

Another said: "FOURTH FILM IN THE MATRIX SERIES I AM FREAKING ALIVE."

The mind-boggling first Matrix film is widely considered the best of the trilogy and focused on Reeves' deadbeat computer hacker Neo getting recruited by a small group of rebels fighting to save the world from being ruled by machines.

It has been reported that Reeves' success this year with John Wick 3 and Toy Story 4 encouraged film bosses to reboot the series.

While there is plenty of excitement to see where Wachowski will take the franchise, some fans have expressed reservations after the third film was neatly wrapped up with both Trintiy and Neo dying.

One concerned film fan shared: "Dude matrix 4???? I don’t know if I’m happy or mad. 3 was such a good ending what can they even do? Please don’t make me hate the matrix ☹️."

Another said: "I mean, my first logical thought on bringing back Keanu was "Oooh, he could be a Morpheus-type figure to a new audience identification figure who's learning the secrets of the Matrix in a new and exciting way", but then I remembered how Matrix Revolutions ends.."

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