'Matrix' director becomes a woman

'Matrix' director becomes a woman

Larry Wachowski, quietly transitioning for years, publicly debuts as Lana Wachowski.

‘Cloud Atlas’ directors reveal more than just back story
By Meriah Doty


The directors -- yes plural -- of the much buzzed about, epic film "Cloud Atlas" have posted a video explaining how their ginormous cinematic production came together (see below).
"The movie is hard to sell," explains one of the film's three directors Lana Wachowski (formerly Larry Wachowski).


The film, due in theaters in late October, spans several genres, hundreds of years and tests the limits of its actors, including Halle Berry and Tom Hanks, who play multiple characters.
And as the directors explain in the video -- Hollywood studios initially balked at the idea of a film with three directors.

Lana now, left, and the director prior to her transition (Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures/ Getty Images)

Lana now, left, and the director prior to her transition (Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures/ Getty Images)
Based on the award-winning book of the same name, the juxtaposed storylines depicted in "Cloud Atlas" seemed to require its three helmers: Tom Tykwer ("Run Lola Run"), Andy Wachowski and his now-sister Lana Wachowski (both wrote and directed "The Matrix" franchise).

Formerly known as the "Wachowski Brothers," half-comprised of Larry Wachowski -- Larry is now Lana. Lana has been "quietly transitioning genders" over the past decade, according to the L.A. Times. Rumors around Lana Wachowski's sexuality and gender identity have been swirling for nearly a decade. According to reports, she has undergone gender reassignment surgery and has identified herself as "Lana" -- in varying frequency -- for quite some time.
With her hair styled in hot pink dreadlocks, 47-year-old Lana has publicly debut as a woman in this video -- making this the first time a well known film director has publicly changed genders.

The cast of "Cloud Atlas" also includes Susan Sarandon, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Grant and Jim Sturgess.