Keanu Reeves has built a career starring in action movies such as The Matrix and John Wick, but he was initially not a first-choice actor in this genre. Starting his acting journey around the late ‘80s, he found immense fame after appearing in the 1989 comedy film Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
This achievement led to filmmakers wanting to work with him, and one director saw his potential to become an action star. Of course, this was contested by the higher-ups who didn’t believe in Reeves’ versatility.
Keanu Reeves became an action star because of Kathryn Bigelow
Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break was a crucial part of Keanu Reeves’ career as this was the movie that established him as a rising action star. In retrospect, it ultimately led to his highly successful franchise, John Wick, and all it took was complete trust from a filmmaker who saw his hidden talent.
Ridley Scott was originally attached to helm the 1991 action movie, but circumstances led to him dropping out of it and Bigelow finally taking the reins. The producers at 20th Century Fox wanted the likes of Johnny Depp and Val Kilmer for the part of Johnny Utah, and they were not thrilled after learning she wanted Reeves instead.
In fact, they mocked Bigelow’s choice because Reeves, at the time, was still riding on his success in a comedy movie. However, she insisted he could be an action star. The actor was happy that the director fought to cast him as it changed the trajectory of his career forever. He told The Guardian:
Point Break was one of those wonderful surprises. I hear it wasn’t such an easy sell for Kathryn. ‘No, really, he can be an action guy.’ ‘Come on!’ ‘No, really.’ It was such a leap of faith. Thank you, Kathryn! You changed my life!
Who would have thought that after starring in Point Break, Reeves would become synonymous with the action genre? The heist action film was immediately followed by Speed, The Matrix, 47 Ronin, and of course, John Wick.
It’s understandable why the producers were reluctant to hire the Canadian actor at the time—he lacked the typical rugged look of an action star, but Reeves not only impressed the audience but also brought vulnerability to his character.
Keanu Reeves praised Kathryn Bigelow for her incredible work on Point Break
Reeves lovingly reminisced about his first time dabbling in the action genre in his conversation with Complex. He praised Bigelow for her hard work on the movie, which not only changed his life but also inspired other people to be more fearless in life. “Kathryn Bigelow is just amazing; she did such an amazing job with that film,” he said.
Point Break was a commercial hit among fans, grossing over $83 million on a budget of $24 million. Although it received mixed reviews at the time, it became a cult-classic favorite and a must-watch for all fans of Reeves!
Point Break is currently available to watch on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
