Culture news Keanu Reeves turned down this $12 million role: he could have ended up on the Hollywood blacklist for making this decision
If he is known for the two enormous cinematographic sagas that are The Matrix and John Wick, Keanu Reeves is not the type to minimize his roles and commit to any project, even a successful one. After refusing the lead role in a 90s action film, he almost sabotaged his career!
$12 million won’t be enough
It was during the creation of the film Speed 2: Cruise Control, that the actor is approached to reprise his role of Jack Traven, the main character, which he occupied in the first opus. After a first refusal, those responsible for the project even offered him nearly $12 million to change his mind, his participation being considered vital to the project. Several years later, the star returned to this affair during an interview on British television.
At the time, I wasn’t convinced by the script. I really wanted to work with Sandra Bullock, I loved playing Jack Traven and I loved “Speed,” but an ocean liner? I had nothing against the artists involved, but I felt like it wasn’t the right thing to do. -Keanu Reeves (CNN)
During another interview on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, he returned to the subject at greater length, insisting that he thought it was ridiculous to set the film’s plot on a cruise ship. “A bus is not that fast, but a cruise ship is even slower than a bus”, he explained, before telling those responsible for the film “I love you guys, but I can’t do it”.
All Hollywood against him
This refusal, in addition to making him draw a line under 12 million dollars, almost cost him his career. The rejection of the offer provoked the anger of several big names in Hollywood, who have long put obstacles in the way of his professional projects. But time seems to have finally proven the actor right since Speed 2: Cruise Control crashed both at the box office and with critics. The license has not been talked about since.
However, during a new interview returning to the subject, Keanu Reeves declared “have no problem returning for a third installment, but on one condition. You just need a good script”. If no announcement regarding a return of Speed has yet been heard, the door therefore remains open.