Jada Pinkett-Smith has closed her deal to co-star in the sequel to The Matrix, Variety reported, confirming weeks of reports. Producers, meanwhile, are talking with singer Aaliyah and actors Harold Perrineau Jr. and Harry Lennex about playing roles in The Matrix 2, the trade paper reported.

Writer/directors Larry and Andy Wachowski are slated to begin shooting The Matrix 2 in Australia in March.