Movie 'Matrix 4' Crew Faces Controversy Over Large Party Violating COVID-19 Rules in Germany

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] The production team of the blockbuster film 'Matrix 4,' including actor Keanu Reeves, has been embroiled in controversy for holding a large-scale party in Germany in violation of quarantine rules.

According to Germany's Bild and the UK's Guardian on the 14th (local time), a party hosted by the Wachowski sisters, who wrote and directed 'Matrix 4,' was held on the 11th at the Babelsberg Studio in Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany.

The party continued until the early hours of the next day, with about 200 attendees, and it is known that lead actor Keanu Reeves attended the party with his partner.

At Babelsberg Studio, where the party was held, filming of 'Matrix 4,' the sequel to 'Matrix 3: Revolutions' after 16 years, had been underway for the past eight months.

The state of Brandenburg, where the studio is located, had limited party attendees to 50 people to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, party attendees were required to obtain prior approval from authorities, follow their own quarantine guidelines, maintain social distancing, and wear masks except when eating or drinking.

However, a woman who attended the party told the media, "The atmosphere was lively, and although we had to wear masks when entering the party venue, many did not wear masks during the party."

In response to the controversy, Babelsberg Studio explained to dpa news agency that they were "filming a party scene needed for the movie."

Christoph Fischer, the studio representative, explained, "The entire team, including 110 extras and 200 staff members, underwent two PCR tests before filming and one rapid test after filming."

However, Bild cited an attendee saying, "There were no acting instructions, no one was clapping the slate or filming," and claimed that the Matrix 4 production team disguised the party as filming to circumvent quarantine guidelines.

The Potsdam city health authorities stated that the party was not reported in advance and said they would investigate whether there were any issues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.