The release date for The Matrix 4 has been announced.

The film, which will see the return of series mainstays Keanu Reeves and Carrie Ann-Moss, is due for release 21 May 2021. It will compete against John Wick 4, another acclaimed action franchise starring Reeves.

The Matrix 4 was announced back in August by Toby Emmerich of Warner Bros. Picture Group. Lana Wachowski – who co-created the franchise with her sister Lilly Wachowski – will return to write, direct and produce.

“We could not be more excited to be re-entering ‘The Matrix’ with Lana,” said Toby. “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.”

The first instalment in The Matrix franchise premiered in 1999 to universal acclaim; it grossed over $460 million worldwide, won four Academy Awards and is often regarded as one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time.

The success of the film spawned two sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, both of which were massive successes at the box office but failed to replicate the critical reception of the original.

The franchise also starred Laurence Fishburne, Jada Pinkett Smith, Harold Perrineau, Harry Lennix, Anthony Zerbe, Clayton Watson, Ian Bliss, Nathaniel Lees, David Roberts, Hugo Weaving and Collin Chou.

“Many of the ideas Lilly and I explored 20 years ago about our reality are even more relevant now,” said Lilly. “I’m very happy to have these characters back in my life and grateful for another chance to work with my brilliant friends.”

Last week, Jonathan Groff was announced as a cast member for the highly-anticipated sequel. He is best known for his roles in television dramas such as Looking, Glee and Mindhunter, and for voicing Kristoff in the Frozen franchise.

The Matrix 4 will begin production February 2020.