From nearly stepping into the shoes of Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings” to passing on a sequel to “Speed,” Keanu Reeves has had a colorful journey through Hollywood, filled with near-misses that could have redefined his career.
It's fascinating to think about how different the cinematic landscape might have looked if he had taken on some of these iconic roles.
Before Frodo took on the monumental task of destroying the One Ring, there was a behind-the-scenes battle for the role of Aragorn.
A slew of Hollywood heavyweights, including Russell Crowe and Nicolas Cage, were considered for the part.
Imagine the sight of Cage wielding a sword and leading the charge against darkness!
It's a tantalizing thought, but Reeves was also keen on the role.
He openly expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Aragorn to life, even reaching out to director Peter Jackson in hopes of securing the part.
However, fate had other ideas, and the role ultimately went to Viggo Mortensen, who delivered a performance that perfectly captured Aragorn's strength and vulnerability.
Not all of Keanu's potential roles were without their share of drama.
Take “Tropic Thunder,” for instance.
Initially, Ben Stiller envisioned Reeves in a central role when the film was just a concept.
However, as the project evolved, Stiller opted to portray Tug Speedman himself, leaving Reeves out of the comedic chaos.
While it's unclear why Stiller changed his mind, the chemistry between him and Matthew McConaughey in the final film proved to be a winning combination.
“Tropic Thunder” went on to become a beloved comedy classic, showcasing Stiller's unique humor and timing.
Then there's “Speed Racer,” a visually stunning adaptation by the Wachowski sisters that aimed to bring the beloved manga and anime to life.
Reeves had previously collaborated with the Wachowskis on “The Matrix,” making him a natural choice for the role of Racer X.
Unfortunately, he had to decline the opportunity, allowing Matthew Fox to step in instead.
While it's a shame we didn't get to see Reeves in the driver's seat, Fox's portrayal was well-received and added depth to the character.
Shifting gears to the realm of superheroes, Reeves was also approached for a significant role in Zack Snyder's “Watchmen.”
The film, known for its dark themes and complex characters, featured Dr. Manhattan, a godlike figure with immense power.
The prospect of Reeves embodying such a multifaceted character is intriguing, but scheduling conflicts prevented this collaboration from happening.
Billy Crudup ultimately took on the role, delivering a performance that many fans still regard as iconic.
Marvel, too, had its sights set on Reeves for a villainous role in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
Originally, the film was meant to explore a storyline featuring Kraven the Hunter, with Reeves as the potential antagonist.
However, his disinterest led the narrative down a different path, ultimately resulting in a film that thrilled audiences beyond expectations.
The final product became a celebration of Spider-Man's legacy, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.
Reeves was also considered for the role of Yon-Rogg in “Captain Marvel.”
Although the film received mixed reviews, Jude Law's portrayal of the villain was a standout element.
Initially, Reeves had to turn down the offer due to scheduling conflicts with “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.”
While it's understandable that he prioritized his commitments, one can't help but wonder how his involvement might have changed the film's dynamics.
In a surprising twist, Reeves also declined to return for the sequel to the film that catapulted him to fame—”Speed.”
While the original “Speed” is celebrated as a thrilling classic, its sequel, “Speed 2: Cruise Control,” failed to capture the same magic.
The film, which revolved around a bomb on a cruise ship, was met with disappointment and criticism.
Reeves wisely chose to avoid this misstep, allowing him to maintain his stellar reputation.
As we look back at these missed opportunities, it's clear that Reeves has made choices that have shaped his career in profound ways.
Whether it was the allure of playing Aragorn or the chance to explore the complexities of Dr. Manhattan, each decision reflects his discerning taste and commitment to quality storytelling.
While we may never know how these films would have turned out with Reeves at the helm, one thing is certain: his legacy remains untarnished.
With each role he has chosen, he has carved out a unique space in Hollywood, proving that sometimes, not taking a role can be just as impactful as accepting one.
