Lilly Wachowski Unveils New Studio, Calls Out ‘Harry Potter’ Fans and Details ‘The Matrix’ Origins

Lilly Wachowski is laying down hard truths about Hollywood, activism, and her iconic body of work. In a candid conversation with Variety, *The Matrix* co-director shared major updates about her creative future while taking aim at fans who continue to support franchises associated with anti-trans ideology. The director formally introduced her brand-new banner, Anarchists United. The initiative marks a fresh chapter for the filmmaker as she seeks to build an independent space for creative projects outside the traditional corporate studio system, emphasizing artistic freedom and radical storytelling. ## What did Lilly Wachowski say about Harry Potter fans? Wachowski did not hold back when addressing the ongoing cultural and political battles surrounding trans civil rights. Directly targeting those who continue to financially and culturally back *Harry Potter*, the director argued that consumers who spend money on the franchise are actively supporting severe anti-trans rhetoric and harmful political movements. The discussion connected back to the evolution of trans representation in media over the past decade. The interview touched on key cultural milestones, including Laverne Cox's landmark 2014 cover feature for Time magazine—written by Katy Steinmetz under the banner "The Transgender Tipping Point"—which framed trans liberation as the next major civil rights movement. Wachowski reflected on how the movement has evolved from media visibility into an intense, urgent struggle against systemic hostility. ## What inspired The Matrix? Alongside her sharp political commentary, the filmmaker also looked back at the foundational ideas behind her groundbreaking 1999 film *The Matrix*. Wachowski revealed that the conceptual framework of the sci-fi classic was deeply rooted in Black Power movements and radical liberation politics. According to the director, themes of dismantling oppressive illusions, resisting systemic control, and fighting for true liberation were directly drawn from those political origins. With Anarchists United now in motion, Wachowski continues to align her real-world creative efforts with the radical ideas that defined her earliest cinematic triumphs.