Influence of cinema and television in the development of subcultures and technologies is undeniable. X-Files opened the doors to a robust strand of books, films, sites, and broadcasts dedicated to mystery, UFOs, and fantasy. The Matrix was able to do even more giving impetus to an entire technological sector. The sector of virtual worlds and immersive virtual reality, which for decades has encountered mixed fortunes on the world mass market.

The Matrix, modern myth of the cave

Released in theaters around the world in 1999, the 4-time Oscar-winning film written and directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski brothers (later became Lana and Lilly Wachowski transgender sisters) taking in turn inspiration from other works, from Ghost in the Shell up to the Plato’s myth of the cave, gave birth to a trilogy concluded in November 2003 with The Matrix Revolutions, released a few months after the second chapter, Matrix Reloaded.

Second Life, a Matrix via pc

In June of that same year, Second Life was opened to the public. It is the “immersive” virtual world (through the use of 3D graphics and avatars controlled remotely via PC by users connected from all corners of the world) developed by Linden Lab. The firm was founded, in 1999, by Philip Rosedale. A coincidence of dates that seems not to be accidental. It will be interesting to see what will happen now that according to Variety, 20 years after the release of the first chapter Lana Wachowski started writing the screenplay for the fourth chapter of The Matrix.

Warner Bros hopes for a new commercial success

Warner Bros was at least two years trying to convince the Wachowski and the original cast to create a new film, also considering the good results obtained by the franchisee. The Matrix cost 63 million dollars and grossed over 463 million at the box office. While the two sequels cost a total of 150 million, grossing 742 million and 427 million respectively. Therefore, the positive balance exceeded $ 1.4 billion without counting television rights.

Will The Matrix be able to resurrect ?

Will this fourth chapter (which according to some might be called The Matrix: Resurrection) be able to meet the expectations of the fans, proving to be a commercial success? And also to give a new impetus to the sector of virtual worlds and immersive virtual reality? For now, it is too early to say.

Of course, the return of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss n the roles of Neo an Trinity (the return of Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus or of Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith is still not certain) should at least catch the attention of millions of spectators.

While waiting to see the fourth chapter of The Matrix come out in theaters all over the world and to evaluate what impact it will have on technology and contemporary culture, we can only suggest that you continue to follow Mondivirtuali.it also through our account on Twitter and our Facebook fanpage. But remember: Mondivirtuali is also on Flickr, on Scoop.it, on Paper.li, and on Youtube. And maybe subscribe to our newsletter.