7 Unmissable New Projects From Lana And Lilly Wachowski: The Visionary Sisters’ Separate Futures

The Wachowski Sisters, Lana and Lilly, have fundamentally reshaped modern cinema, moving from the groundbreaking sci-fi of The Matrix to the sprawling, empathetic narrative of Sense8. As of today, December 18, 2025, the biggest news is the evolution of their careers from a legendary creative partnership to two distinct, powerful solo trajectories, each focusing on unique and highly anticipated projects.

The duo, celebrated for their ambitious world-building and philosophical depth, are currently making headlines not for a joint blockbuster, but for their individual, fresh ventures. Lana is stepping back from the director's chair in a major franchise, while Lilly is making a highly-anticipated return to directing after a near-decade-long hiatus, signaling a vibrant new chapter for both visionary filmmakers.

Lana and Lilly Wachowski: A Complete Biography and Profile

Lana and Lilly Wachowski are American film and television directors, screenwriters, and producers, renowned for their innovative work in science fiction and action genres. They are also pioneers in the LGBTQ+ community, being two of the most prominent openly transgender directors in Hollywood.

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• Lana Wachowski
  • Born: Larry Wachowski, June 21, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Key Career Milestone (Joint): Co-directing The Matrix (1999), Cloud Atlas (2012), and Sense8 (2015–2018).
  • Solo Directorial Work: The Matrix Resurrections (2021).
  • Recent Role: Executive Producer for the upcoming The Matrix 5.
• Lilly Wachowski
  • Born: Andy Wachowski, December 29, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Key Career Milestone (Joint): Co-directing The Matrix (1999), Speed Racer (2008), and Jupiter Ascending (2015).
  • Solo Work: Writing/Producing the TV series Work in Progress (2019–2021).
  • Recent Role: Directing her first solo feature film in a decade, Trash Mountain.
• Pioneering Trans Identity: Lana publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2012, followed by Lilly in 2016. Their identity and perspective have profoundly influenced their later work, particularly Sense8 and their commitment to queer storytelling.

The Split Focus: Lana’s Franchise Legacy and Lilly’s Directorial Comeback

After their last major joint directorial effort, 2015's Jupiter Ascending, the sisters have increasingly pursued separate projects, allowing each to explore distinct creative avenues. This separation has culminated in a slate of new work that highlights their individual passions, particularly Lilly's deep dive into trans and queer-centric narratives, and Lana's continued, albeit evolving, connection to the franchise that defined their careers: The Matrix.

1. Lana Wachowski's New Role in The Matrix 5

The biggest update concerning Lana Wachowski is her involvement in the newly announced fifth installment of The Matrix series. This is a significant shift in the franchise's history.

• Executive Producer Only: For the first time, Lana Wachowski will not be writing or directing a main Matrix film.
• New Visionary: Drew Goddard, known for *The Martian* and *Cabin in the Woods*, has been tapped to write and direct the new movie.
• A New Trilogy?: While the original trilogy was envisioned as a complete story, and *Resurrections* served as a meta-reflection, Lana's decision to hand over the reins suggests she is comfortable with the universe expanding under a new, trusted creative voice. Her role as Executive Producer ensures a level of continuity and respect for the franchise's philosophical core.

2. Lilly Wachowski Directs 'Trash Mountain'

Lilly Wachowski is set to make her solo-directorial feature film debut with the dramedy *Trash Mountain*, marking her first time directing a feature film since 2015. This project is generating significant buzz as a departure from the massive-scale science fiction that made her famous.

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• Genre and Tone: Described as a dramedy, *Trash Mountain* is a more intimate, character-driven story.
• Focus on Trans Narratives: Lilly has been vocal about her commitment to trans cinema and queer rage, and this project is expected to continue that theme, following her work on the Showtime series *Work in Progress*.
• A Decade-Long Hiatus: Her return to the director's chair is a major event for fans who have missed her unique visual style and narrative voice on the big screen.

Lilly Wachowski’s Deep Dive into Queer and Sci-Fi Storytelling (3-7)

While Lana focuses on producing, Lilly is building a strong portfolio of new projects that firmly place her at the forefront of queer science fiction and trans representation in media. Her upcoming slate is arguably the most exciting and politically charged work from either sister in years.

3. The 'Manhunt' Adaptation

Lilly Wachowski is adapting Gretchen Felker-Martin’s controversial and critically acclaimed 2022 post-apocalyptic novel, *Manhunt*. The book is known for its intense, satirical, and unflinching look at gender, survival, and trans identity in a world ravaged by a plague that turns men into monstrous creatures.

• Trans Rage and Themes: Lilly has described her new work, including this project, as "wall to wall trans people and trans rage," indicating a raw and powerful exploration of these themes.
• Post-Apocalyptic Horror: The project promises to blend the Wachowskis’ signature genre sensibilities (sci-fi, action, horror) with explicit sociopolitical commentary.

4. Developing 'Cosmoknights'

Another project on Lilly's development slate is *Cosmoknights*, an adaptation of a popular sci-fi graphic novel. This move further solidifies her interest in adapting queer-centric genre material.

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5. Producing a 'Stepford Wives' Sci-Fi Thriller

Lilly is also producing a new sci-fi thriller short film that is a take on the classic 'The Stepford Wives' concept. This hints at her continued fascination with themes of control, conformity, and hidden realities, a motif that runs through their earlier works like *The Matrix* and *Bound*.

6. The Legacy of 'Work in Progress'

Though not a new project, the critically acclaimed Showtime series *Work in Progress* (2019–2021) is a crucial part of Lilly’s solo development, serving as a bridge to her current slate. Lilly served as a writer and executive producer, bringing her sharp, comedic, and deeply personal voice to the screen. The show's success proved her capability outside the joint Wachowski brand.

7. The Enduring Influence of 'Sense8'

While the focus is on new work, the entities *Sense8* and *Cloud Atlas* remain central to the Wachowskis' topical authority. Their influence on television and film, particularly in terms of global interconnectedness, empathy, and fluid identity, continues to be felt in modern media. The thematic threads from *Sense8*—a global, diverse cast fighting for survival and connection—are clearly visible in the political and identity-focused nature of Lilly’s new projects, such as *Manhunt* and *Trash Mountain*.

In summary, the Wachowski sisters are not slowing down; they are simply expanding their individual universes. Lana is securing the legacy of *The Matrix* while supporting a fresh perspective, and Lilly is directing her creative energy into a powerful, genre-bending slate of films focused on trans and queer experiences. This dual-path approach ensures that the Wachowski name remains synonymous with ambitious, boundary-pushing cinema well into the future.