Where was The Matrix Reloaded filmed?
2003
City Locations
Oakland, Alameda, Sydney (Australia)
Location Types
American, Foreign, Film Studio
Location Styles
High Tech/ Futuristic, Parking Lot, Power Plant
About The Matrix Reloaded
Immerse yourself in the captivating and thrilling sequel to The Matrix - The Matrix Reloaded! Embark on a daring mission with Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) as they travel to Zion, the last refuge of freedom left on Earth. Along their way, they find themselves faced with an obstacle involving their relationship. Written by the Wachowski brothers in 2003, this riveting sci-fi epic is guaranteed to take you through an adventure unlike any other!
When they arrived in Zion, Morpheus collided with Commander Lock (Harry J. Lennix) and reconnected with his former love Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith). At the same time, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) returned to Neo with some surprises - the ability to replicate himself endlessly! The Oracle (Gloria Foster)'s words enlightened Neo that he needs to free The Key Maker (Randall Duk Kim), taken by Merovingian's followership(Lambert Wilson), in order for humans' salvation. Nonetheless, Merovingian refused all entreaties until Persephone stepped up as her spouse had been unfaithful; she agreed on a deal exchangeable only from Neo.
Armed with The Keymaker, Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus are chased by the henchmen of Merovingian - a dangerous duo composed of the albino twins Neil Rayment and Adrian Rayment. A majority of scenes were shot in both Australia and California; this included an enormous chase scene on a stretch that was built especially for production just outside San Francisco.
The Matrix Reloaded Locations
The Matrix trilogy was an ambitious feat for its time, and filming these groundbreaking films required some unique efforts. While the majority of the shots for Matrix Reloaded and its follow-up, The Matrix Revolutions, took place in Australia and California, a remarkably extensive car chase scene was set up just outside San Francisco specifically for the production. This decision has since made the action sequences of these sci-fi films even more iconic; after all, seeing two motion pictures shot alongside each other helped create a seamless feel to what is now a classic series.
The Matrix Reloaded production team made extensive use of Fox Studios Australia in Sydney for filming. In addition to using the studio, they also had a 1.5-mile freeway constructed at the decommissioned Naval Air Station Alameda in California specifically for the movie. To capture the iconic freeway chase scene in the movie, they filmed portions of it in Oakland and Alameda. Even better, filmmakers took advantage of the Webster Tube tunnel to create a more realistic effect for viewers. This memorable cinematic sequence is now etched into our cultural consciousness!
Fun Fact:
Something noteworthy is that Matrix Reloaded was filmed alongside its third installment: The Matrix Revolutions!
Freeway chase scene in The Matrix Reloaded
Red Line Ave, Alameda, CA, USA
As the Machine War drew to a close, Neo (Keanu Reeves), Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) organized an audacious plan in order to rescue The Keymaker from Agents Johnson, Jackson, and Thompson. This daring mission was known as 'The Freeway Chase', with the ultimate goal of guiding Neo towards The Source.
The Keymaker had found a car and brought it to Trinity and Morpheus. In a frantic attempt to flee the Twins, Morpheus dialed Link for help. Trinity and Morpheus had their pursuers hot on their tails, guns blazing in the city streets as they alerted the police of their presence.
Hollywood's production team invested an incredible $2.5 million in the demolition of a 1.25-mile (2 km) highway for their epic freeway chase scene filmed at the decommissioned Naval Air Station Alameda, now unfortunately closed to all visitors. The impressive 19ft wall surrounding this 3-lane road was crafted from timber and plywood with remarkable detail - designed to appear as concrete paving! After the intense shooting was finished and the movie wrapped up, this incredible addition to the set was completely destroyed.
To get to your destination by car, you should take Willie Stargell Ave and Main Street. Start off by heading north on 5th Street towards Ralph Appezzato Memorial Pkwy. Then, make a left onto Willie Stargell Avenue followed by turning right onto Main Street. Continue driving straight ahead and turn left onto Navy Way before taking another right stay on the same road again - that is when you need to change direction in order to reach W Red Line Avenue while finally arriving at your desired spot!
Battle in the parking garage scene in The Matrix Reloaded
Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA, USA
Guided by the Keymaker, Trinity and Morpheus ventured to one of the doors in the Building and stepped through a portal that he had opened with a special key, leading them into the core area of Mega City. The Twins weren't far behind as they followed their trail right up until they arrived at the Parking lot. Desperate to keep the Twins out, Morpheus attempted to swiftly close the door. However, one of them managed to stick his arm in before he could.
To ensure the safety of his allies, Trinity let off numerous shots at his hand while Morpheus took up a katana to fend off the Twins fighting in the doorway. As if that weren't enough trouble already, soon after another Twin came barreling through - forcing Trinity into a fight with both men as Morpheus held down fort to keep them out!
Despite her efforts, Trinity lost the fight against the Twin and was held by its blade - with a threat to kill her if Morpheus didn't release it. Morpheus opened the door and fired a few shots at the Twin, giving Trinity an opening to break free as he became ethereal.
The parking garage underneath the 16th Street entrance to the Latham Square Building, located at 1611 Telegraph Avenue in downtown Oakland and not far from City Hall, was the starting point of a spectacular freeway chase and the point of battle in the parking garage.
If you're downtown, head northeast on Broadway towards 15th St and make a left onto Telegraph Avenue. Before you know it, the building that has become an icon of battle will be in your sight - imagine yourself taking part!
Neo meets the source scene in The Matrix Reloaded
28 Robert St, Rozelle NSW 2039, Australia
Matrix Revolution reveals Neo's journey to the source. The Keymaker explains how two crews must concurrently disable 27 blocks in a nuclear plant, as well as its backup system, resulting in 314 seconds of alarm-free time. It is actually proven to work when Neo uses his newfound knowledge from meeting with "the source" and chooses to save Trinity; indeed, that same building explodes shortly after their conversation exceeds the allotted period.
If you recall the scene from The Matrix where Morpheus exclaimed, "No electricity. No alarms!" while noting the need to destroy a power station in order to avoid the detonation of a bomb, then you must be aware that this is none other than the White Bay Power Station situated in Rozelle, Sydney.
If you wish to reach your destination quickly and easily, hop on the bus departing from Town Hall Station's Platform K. In only seven minutes (with four stops), you'll find yourself at Victoria Rd Opp Robert St. Then, get off at Victoria Rd at Evans St for successful completion of your journey!
Conclusion
The Matrix, released in 1999, set expectations for its two sequels impossibly high. When The Matrix Reloaded arrived in May 2003, it did little to stoke enthusiasm for its impending follow-up, The Matrix Revolutions. Though lacking in story and character arcs, reloaded is still impressive with its visual sense and elaborate action sequences.
Two decades later, the Wachowskis’ breathtaking stunts remain so striking that we can agree they arguably set the bar sky-high for the third installment in the trilogy. Unfortunately, lightning could not strike twice, particularly with the sheer intensity of the first's brilliance; Reloaded drags on, even if it entertains in parts, and proves impressive once more.
In retrospect, it makes sense why Revolutions felt forced to fill gaps left unaddressed by Reloaded; distracted from exploring new possibilities as promised at the end of The Matrix, Reloaded functioned more like a larger installment rather than a self-contained piece of work, leading to less nuanced storytelling but no shortage of spectacle.