The Matrix trilogy, in addition to being a groundbreaking entry into the world of science fiction, has often been read as an allegory for the transgender experience. This allegory has only been more pronounced since the film's directors/creators, Lana and Lilly Wachowski, came out as transgender. Now, one of the Wachowskis has delivered some rather harsh words to those who misinterpret the message.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk recently tweeted, "Take the red pill," adding an emoji of a rose. Ivanka Trump then quoted Musk's tweet, writing, "Taken!" "Fuck both of you," Lilly Wachowski tweeted in response.
Musk's comments refer to the alt-right movement's co-opting of the red pill metaphor. "Redpilling" is often used by men's rights activists to denote certain gender roles that would benefit women and not themselves. It's not hard to see why Wachowski responded harshly to Trump and Musk, as this can be seen as a gross misinterpretation of The Matrix's message and themes.
Directed by Lana Wachowski, The Matrix 4 stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Henwick and Jonathan Groff. The film arrives in theaters May 21, 2021.