Summary

• "World Record" from The Animatrix introduced new ways to break free from the Matrix's capabilities.
• The short opens the possibility for characters to manipulate the Matrix, expanding the franchise.
• The concept from "World Record" could drive Matrix 5 forward without Neo and Trinity.

The answering questions about the Matrix, all while introducing new characters both within and outside the Matrix itself.

Some elements of the film directly impacted the original Matrix trilogy, like "Kid's Story" and "Final Flight of the Osiris," while others were more focused on exploring the history of the universe and the various denizens of the simulated world. For the most part, The Animatrix was a self-contained set of stories, but their influence could reshape the future of the franchise. One of those stories could be way more important than the rest though, and could present an ideal way for Drew Goddard's Matrix 5 to move the franchise forward.

The Animatrix's "World Record" Completely Broke The Matrix

How A Regular Human Defeated Agents

The "World Record" short from The Animatrix introduced a way for characters trapped within the Matrix to break loose and achieve impossible feats, which could be a fascinating concept to explore in Matrix 5. "World Record" is rooted in the idea that some people plugged into the Matrix develop the ability to see the false reality for what it is and can manipulate it. The short follows Dan Davis, an athlete whose previous record-setting relay was tainted by accusations of drug use. Ignoring warnings from his coach, Dan returns to the track to break his former record and prove himself.

Despite suffering the injury he was warned about, Dan ignores the pain and continues to race, with this surge of unexpected energy briefly freeing Dan from the Matrix. Although the Agents allow Dan to live afterwards, they erase his memory and leave him confined to a wheelchair. However, the short ends with the application that Dan does his actions. He even stands up briefly, showing that he's capable of breaking through the Matrix's parameters in a similar fashion to Neo and Trinity manipulating the Matrix around them.

"World Record" Could Inspire A New Path Forward For The Matrix

Unlocking New Powers In The Matrix

"World Record" set up a fascinating concept within the framework of The Matrix universe. Within the previous Matrix films, the divide between those unwittingly tapped in the Matrix and those humans who are aware of their true existence was used to keep the heroes isolated and always surrounded. The original trilogy never paid much heed to those trapped, often using them as cannon fodder in the battles between Neo and his allies against the Machines. Dan's story suggests that even if they aren't specifically freed from the Matrix, humans could potentially see the seems in reality and aggressively change it.

The result of this becoming more common in the Matrix could spur on plenty of exciting developments for the franchise. People who see outside the Matrix could unite, creating a new form of resistance. Conversely, some could find themselves agreeing with The Matrix villain Cypher and decide to try keeping the Matrix going. Others like Dan could find themselves of impossible feats, setting up a new slew of people who possess the kind of powers that allow them to change the Matrix around them. These paths could introduce new perspectives on the factions and beliefs highlighted earlier in the series.

"World Record" Might Be The Best Way To Do Matrix 5 Without Neo

There Could Be A Whole New Generation Of Chosen Ones

Introducing concepts from "World Record" to the live-action films might be an ideal way to drive the franchise forward without Neo and Trinity at the center. There's always the chance that the two characters could continue to drive the franchise forward, but Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss are not currently confirmed for the project. Pulling from "World Record" could allow The Matrix 5 Director Drew Goddard and his team to expand the universe and showcase how different characters respond to getting the kind of abilities or knowledge that Neo and Trinity have.

It could set up new human villains or heroes. Characters could figure out new ways to get around the Agents, such as Drew effectively developing super speed as a means of outrunning the Agents chasing after him. This could be an open invitation to introduce new forms of abilities to The Matrix. There's also an inherently interesting idea in seeing how people respond to the truth about the Matrix if they find out on their own instead of through the humans in the real world. "World Record" has enough good ideas that it's worth looking at for ideas ahead of The Matrix 5.