Brandon Sanderson Stands by Keanu Reeves’ Matrix Sequels Amid Criticism
Brandon Sanderson openly supported Keanu Reeves’ Matrix sequels, challenging widespread criticism. On his podcast, he shared why he enjoyed the films and what made them stand out for him, even as most fans and critics were less than impressed.
Brandon Sanderson has never shied away from sharing his opinions, and when it comes to the Matrix sequels starring Keanu Reeves, he’s not backing down. While many fans and critics have dismissed the follow-ups to the original film, Sanderson took a different stance during a recent episode of his podcast, Intentionally Blank. He admitted he couldn’t understand the intense backlash the sequels received and highlighted several aspects he genuinely enjoyed in both The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions.
Sanderson’s Take on the Matrix Sequels
On his podcast, Sanderson explained his appreciation for the sequels, focusing on their action and science fiction elements. He said:
I like a bunch of the concepts from it. I like the action scenes, and I like it going full-on science fiction, and having the big battle with the monsters. I don’t understand—I think what happened is, people who had not had a lot of experience with cyberpunk, which I had when I saw The Matrix, the ideas were not revolutionary to me. It was cool to see a big-budget, action, sort of pop culture version of cyberpunk.
While the first Matrix film was widely praised, its sequels struggled to meet the high expectations set by the original. Still, Sanderson found them entertaining and appreciated the bold direction they took, even as most viewers were less forgiving.
Why the Sequels Fell Short for Many
The Matrix franchise has become a cult favorite, especially after Keanu Reeves’ resurgence in Hollywood. However, when The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions hit theaters in 2003, they faced heavy criticism. The original film drew audiences in with its mysterious plot and slow reveals, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.
The second movie tried to expand the universe but lost some of the intrigue by relying on lengthy explanations and dialogue-heavy scenes. The third installment continued this trend, introducing new ideas that, according to Sanderson, weren’t fully developed or resolved, leaving many fans unsatisfied.
Cyberpunk Roots and Sanderson’s Perspective
Sanderson’s background in cyberpunk helped shape his appreciation for the Matrix sequels. He speculated that many critics of the later films simply weren’t as familiar with the genre’s themes. In his own Mistborn novels, Sanderson has explored similar territory, blending epic fantasy with evolving technology and even cyberpunk influences.
He admired how the Wachowskis built on the world they created in the first film, even if the sequels became more complex and dialogue-driven. For casual viewers, the original movie was a revelation, but the follow-ups felt bogged down by unresolved storylines and heavy exposition.
Reception and Legacy
Looking at the numbers, the original Matrix scored 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, while Reloaded dropped to 74%, and Revolutions fell further to 33%. The most recent entry, The Matrix Resurrections, landed at 63%. Despite the mixed reviews, the franchise remains a significant part of pop culture, and all the films are currently available to stream on Apple TV.