The Matrix‘s co-director, Lilly Wachowski, recently addressed references to the film’s themes being used by right-wing groups. Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, she reflected on the ways the movie’s ideas have been interpreted over the years.
Lana Wachowski on ‘right-wing ideology’ appropriating The Matrix
During a recent appearance on the So True with Caleb Hearon podcast, Matrix co-director Lilly Wachowski addressed how elements of The Matrix have been misused by right-wing groups. She acknowledged that once a work is released, creators cannot fully control how it will be interpreted.
Wachowski admitted her frustration, saying, “I look at all of the crazy, mutant theories around The Matrix films, and the crazy ideologies that those films helped create, and I’m just like, ‘What are you doing? No! That’s wrong!’” She added, “But I have to let it go to some extent. Or you’re never gonna be able to make absolutely every single person believe what you initially intended.”
When host Caleb Hearon asked how she processes the film being co-opted by right-wing groups, Wachowski said she no longer approaches her projects with the expectation of reaching a broad audience. She now prioritizes the creative experience itself. The director explained, “I make to make. That experience is the reason you’re there. Not what comes after. And so, as an artist, I try to be as present as possible now. I want to be present and relish every single day of the making that I have.”
Wachowski expanded on the issue, noting that “right-wing ideology appropriates absolutely everything.” She explained that such groups often take left-leaning ideas and “mutate them for their own propaganda, to obfuscate what the real message is.” According to her, “This is what fascism does. And so, of course, that’s going to happen. They do it with absolutely everything.”
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
