Lilly Wachowski, the director behind The Matrix trilogy and Sense8, is bringing a new feature to late-stage development. The Hunted, co-written with Mickey R. Mahoney, is a dystopian political thriller. According to Deadline, the project is described as "in the tradition of Wild in the Streets and V for Vendetta." The story follows two trans women investigating a crime that reaches into the highest levels of government, set in an America where trans people have been brutalized and erased to society's margins.
Two production banners are shepherding the film. Wachowski's Anarchists United is developing The Hunted alongside Ariadne Collective, the indie studio recently launched by Natasha Lyonne with Sean Lennon and Evan Ross. Additional producers include Lawrence Mattis and Sarah Marie Flores at Anarchists United, and Jason Weinberg and Daniel Flick at Untitled Entertainment.
Before a full production commitment is formalized, The Hunted will stage a public reading. Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles is set to host live readings on August 7 and 8, with casting and ticket details to follow.
"Queer people have a necessary desire to be in community and for trans people, at this time, this need is particularly urgent," Wachowski said, according to Deadline.
Lyonne, who built her voice as a creator and producer on Russian Doll, has positioned Ariadne Collective to develop original work outside the studio system alongside partners Sean Lennon and Evan Ross. For Wachowski, The Hunted marks a return to feature directing.