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In 1994, Keanu Reeves achieved action-hero stardom with the release ofSpeed. The film, in which Reeves portrayed Officer Jack Traven, became a blockbuster hit, earning $350 million on a modest budget. The success naturally prompted talks of a sequel, with 20th Century Fox eager to capitalize on the chemistry between Reeves and his co-star Sandra Bullock.
Despite the studio’s enthusiasm for a sequel, Keanu Reeves hesitated. In an interview with Willie Geist on his Sunday Sitdown podcast, Reeves shared his reservations about reprising his role inSpeed 2.
Also Read:“It limited us”: Sandra Bullock Had a Surprising Take on Action Movies Even After Keanu Reeves’ Iconic Action Movie Help Her Achieve Hollywood Fame
Why Keanu Reeves Turned DownSpeed 2?
Keanu Reeveshas had a long and successful career, but there are a few movies that he’s missed out on that could have been major hits. One of those movies isSpeed 2: Cruise Control, which was released in 1997.
While chatting with Willie Geist on hisSunday Sitdown podcastin August 2020, Reeves revealed that he turned down the sequel because he didn’t like the script.
“It was a tough decision,” the actor told Geist, adding, “I really had an amazing time filming and making Speed. It did pretty well, so there was a ‘let’s do it again’”.
The actor, immersed in a physically demanding role for another film,Chain Reaction, found the script for the sequel unappealing and couldn’t see himself fitting into the narrative. He said:
“Then I was doing a film at the time called Chain Reaction, and I was in Chicago, and I read the script. That film was pretty physical. It was a lot of running and cold. So they showed me the script, and I just didn’t see it. I didn’t get it. So I couldn’t do it”.
Appearing onThe Graham Norton Show, Keanu Reeves shed light on his decision, stating that, at the time, the script didn’t resonate with him. He expressed his love for working with Sandra Bullock and his attachment to the character of Jack Traven. PerCNN,he said,
“At the time I didn’t respond to 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 at that time I had the feeling it just wasn’t right.”
Critics panned the movie, giving it a meager 4% on Rotten Tomatoes, while IMDb rated it a dismal 3.9 out of 10. Despite a considerable production budget of $110 million, the film struggled at the box office, grossing only $164 million.
Keanu Reeves’ decision to pass onSpeed 2may have initially raised concerns about his career trajectory. However, in hindsight, it appears to be a wise move that spared him from a critical and commercial disappointment.
Also Read:“Because you have lied so many times”: Before Setting Box Office on Fire With Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock Lied to Get into a Flop Comedy Movie
Keanu Reeves Had a Crush on Sandra Bullock
In a delightful revelation, Hollywood star Keanu Reeves confessed to having a crush onSandra Bullockduring their time working together on the iconic action filmSpeedin 1994. The candid admission came during Reeves’ appearance onThe Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he responded to a clip of Bullock discussing her admiration for him in a 2018 interview.
“She obviously didn’t know that I had a crush on her, either,” Reeves confessed, explaining that he kept his feelings professional while filming. DeGeneres, surprised by the mutual attraction, asked why they never pursued a relationship.
“We were working!”Reeves exclaimed, emphasizing the importance of professionalism on set. Despite never dating, the actors remain close friends and reunited forThe Lake Housein 2006. “It was nice to go to work,” Reeves reminisced. “She’s a wonderful person.“
While the ‘what if‘ scenario of a romantic connection between the two may remain a tantalizing thought for fans, their chemistry onSpeedwas amazing.
WatchSpeed 2on Disney Plus.
Also Read:“She is so irresistible”: Keanu Reeves is Not the Only Famous Hollywood Star Who Had a Huge Crush on Sandra Bullock While Working With Her
Prantik Prabal Roy
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Prantik Prabal Roy is a content writer at FandomWire. With over three years of experience in content writing for various media houses, he takes great interest in telling stories about Hollywood celebrities and the world revolving around them. He has done his Master’s in English literature and diploma course in journalism. Being a literature student, he has the ability to delve into the matter and analyse it thoroughly to give the readers a clear view on the specific topics.
