Keanu Reeves was reluctant to embrace Speed, reveals Director Jan de Bont.

Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock’s iconic movie, Speed, changed the course of their entire career as well as the action genre. Widely hailed as one of the best action movies of all time, the Jan de Bont-directed film has since inspired several other movies, games, and projects. However, it was truly the chemistry and talent of Reeves and Bullock that helped make the movie as famous as it is today.

Reeves, in particular, received a hefty push in his career thanks to Speed and is now a solidified action star. But Reeves did not want his career-defining movie to define him and was hesitant to talk about it since he wanted to be known as a serious actor and not an action star.

Reason Why Keanu Reeves Was Hesitant to Talk about Speed, Reveals Jan de Bont

Jan de Bont‘s first directorial project, Speed, put him and the lead stars of the film at the forefront of the entertainment industry. While de Bont got his big break and became a successful director, it was Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock who truly benefitted from the 1994 film.

Sandra Bullock went on to dabble with other genres and is now among Hollywood A-listers, and Reeves is one of the best action stars in the industry. Thanks to the boost received by Speed, Reeves went on to star in franchises like The Matrix and John Wick, which are now the finest action movies of all time.

Known for his brilliant acting along with his effortless action scenes, it is shocking to think that there was a time when Reeves did not want to be defined by such a pivotal film despite its fame and acclaim. Director Jan de Bont, in an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, revealed,

Keanu [Reeves] never brings up Speed. He didn’t want to be that movie, he wanted to be seen as a serious stage actor.

However, Reeves is now appreciative of the opportunity he got and how it helped him in his career. He even exclaimed recently that he would love to work with Bullock again in a potential Speed 3 or something else.

Keanu Reeves is Hollywood’s favorite action star. One glance at his John Wick franchise is enough to convince us how good the actor is at doing adrenalin-fueled action scenes. Doing the majority of stunts in all his movies, there was once a time when Reeves was afraid to film such scenes.

Back when they were shooting for his critically acclaimed and career-vital Speed, fans’ favorite action star was hesitant about the flick’s stunt sequences. During his interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Speed director Jan de Bont revealed how he had to perform some of the movie’s stunts to make his lead star do them.

You’re totally in control about whether you’re afraid or not.

Recalled the director about how he eventually managed to convince Reeves. Part of Speed’s draw is the many action and stunt sequences of the movie, which would have otherwise looked bland had the lead stars not performed them.

Without Jan de Bont onboard, it is appalling to think how the iconic film would have turned out.