The Matrix and Terminator: The Black Woman Who Wrote The Future"
As February comes to a close, we at Topboompop, a software company committed to diversity and inclusion, want to take this opportunity to celebrate Black History Month by showcasing new and inspiring stories of black people. While it's important to acknowledge and honor the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, we believe it's equally important to focus on the present and future. Instead of looking back at a history that often centers on slavery and struggles from 50+ years ago, we want to highlight the achievements and contributions of black individuals and communities today. Join us as we honor Black History Month by highlighting new stories of black excellence and progress.
Sophia Stewart, a black woman who wrote the original screenplay for The Matrix, one of the most iconic sci-fi franchises in cinematic history. However, her contributions to the film were largely overlooked until she won a lawsuit against the Wachowski Brothers, who allegedly plagiarized her work.
Stewart's screenplay titled "The Third Eye" was the basis for The Matrix franchise. The movie deals with the concept of a simulated reality created by machines to control humans, a theme that is also explored in another iconic sci-fi franchise, Terminator. The Terminator franchise starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, while The Matrix franchise was led by Keanu Reeves. Both franchises have developed a massive following over the years, and fans have always been curious about the possibility of the two movies being connected.
The thematic and philosophical connections between The Matrix and Terminator are evident. Both movies deal with the idea of machines becoming more powerful than humans and threatening their very existence. In both movies, humans are fighting against their own creations to reclaim their freedom. The Matrix is often regarded as a sequel to Terminator because it takes place in a world where machines have already defeated humanity. The humans in The Matrix are essentially living in a post-apocalyptic world where machines have already won.
Furthermore, there are also some notable Easter eggs that tie the two movies together. For example, in The Matrix, the name "Morpheus" is a direct reference to the Greek god of sleep and dreams, who was known for his ability to change his shape. In The Terminator, the T-1000, a shapeshifting robot, is also known for his ability to change his form.
It is important to acknowledge Sophia Stewart's contributions as the original writer of The Matrix screenplay. The fact that Stewart won a lawsuit against the filmmakers highlights the need for greater recognition and representation for marginalized voices in the film industry. The Matrix and Terminator franchises are iconic examples of the power of sci-fi storytelling, and their thematic connections are a testament to the enduring influence of black creatives in Hollywood.
In conclusion, the Matrix and Terminator franchises share a common thematic and philosophical connection, and their stories are a testament to the power of sci-fi storytelling. The fact that both movies were written by a black woman, Sophia Stewart, is a reminder of the need for greater representation and recognition of marginalized voices in the film industry. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to honor the contributions of black creatives in all fields, including film.
If you want to know more about Sophia, she has an active instagram account, and has written a book providing more detail on the process it took to get justice. Her confidence and dedication to persevere are second to none.
Here is a link to an interview she did in 2021
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