The ‘John Wick’ movies may have won Keanu Reeves new fans in this generation, but it still may be second best to the Matrix movies. Without the 1999 film, who knows where Reeves would be as one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood? While the first Matrix movie turned Reeves into a global superstar, Reeve’s performance as Neo made the movie iconic.
Overall, ‘The Matrix’ is a film that leaves a lasting impression in people’s minds after the credit’s roll as it forces audiences to engage in philosophical ideas surrounding free will and the dangers posed by artificial intelligence. Ultimately, the film arguably revolutionized the use of special effects in modern cinema. When audiences first saw the film’s memorable bullet-time sequences, they became captivated as it took on-screen fight scenes to a new level. What’s more impressive? The film’s special effects came out before the start of the new millennium.
Neo’s Return in the Matrix Resurrection
Although Reeves made a name for himself before ‘The Matrix’, the movie propelled him to superstardom in the action movie genre. That’s why, when talks of a fourth Matrix movie came about, Reeves would immediately jump on board. In an interview on Graham Norton’s show in 2021, Reeves would tell the story of how he was offered to play Neo once again.
Before ‘The Matrix Resurrection’ was released in 2021, it had been 18 years since the last film, ‘Matrix Revolutions,’ was released. At the end of that film, Neo sacrificed his life to free humans from the matrix that had enslaved them. Considering Neo had died, Reeve’s startled reaction to the offer was understandable. However, after talking to the director, he’d get excited again at how Neo would come back to the land of the living.
Keanu Reeve’s Fondest Memories of Earlier Films
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Despite Reeve’s success with ‘The Matrix’, he’d gain success from other movies that predate the sci-fi action films. These films include 1989’s ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’, 1991’s ‘Point Break‘, and 1994’s ‘Speed‘, all of which are celebrating anniversaries as well as each film came out between 30 to 35 years ago.
During an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Reeves spoke about his fellow co-stars and crew of his other successful movies. For instance, he’d share memories of his friendship with his Bill & Ted co-star, Alex Winter, how he appreciates the late Patrick Swayze when they starred in Point Break together, and lastly, a funny memory between director Jan de Bont and Sandra Bullock on the set of Speed.
The Matrix’s 25th Anniversary
As great as the Matrix franchise is to fans, the people who were involved with the films have a different level of appreciation. For action star Keanu Reeves, he couldn’t be more thankful for the franchise as it made him a global icon.
In the same Stephen Colbert interview, Reeves would become emotional when Colbert brought up The Matrix’s 25th anniversary. When Colbert asked Reeves about fond memories, the actor would open up about how his life changed due to the movies’ success.
Additionally, he expressed that most artists in any field hope to join a movie that connects with people around the world and how fortunate he is to join such films with ‘The Matrix’. In the end, Reeves would get choked up remembering and appreciating the many fans and their appreciation over the 25 years since the movie’s release.
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