Today, it’s hard to imagine action cinema without him. From “Matrix” to “John Wick” and “Speed,” Keanu Reeves is one of the most popular actors in Hollywood. However, the Canadian actor hasn’t always been universally appreciated. Before becoming the icon we know, he struggled with a reputation for being a “limited” actor. This image stuck with him for years and even led a famous British director to bluntly remove him from one of his most iconic projects.
” I wanted someone who could act”: Mike Newell didn’t want Keanu Reeves
In 1997, Mike Newell directed “Donnie Brasco,” a mafia thriller starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino. Before working on “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” in 2005, the British filmmaker was known in Hollywood for films like “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” When it came to casting the undercover agent Donnie Brasco, Mike Newell had Johnny Depp in mind, considering him the ideal choice. In an interview with the London Times, via Far Out Magazine, the director had high praise for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star, calling him “very, very intelligent.” However, it was his comment about Keanu Reeves that left a lasting impression. When asked why he didn’t choose Neo’s actor, Mike Newell simply replied, “Well, I wanted someone who could act.” This particularly cutting statement still surprises Keanu Reeves’ fans, as it’s unclear if the actor was actually considered or auditioned for the role.
The filming of Donnie Brasco was not easy for Johnny Depp
Although Mike Newell believed he found the perfect actor in Johnny Depp, the filming of “Donnie Brasco” was not a walk in the park for the American star. Acting alongside the impressive and destabilizing Al Pacino, Johnny Depp went as far as describing his co-star as “certifiably crazy,” noting how unpredictable he could be in front of the camera. This revelation is interesting when compared to the criticism Mike Newell had towards Keanu Reeves. Even though the director didn’t have faith in him at the time, the Canadian actor eventually faced off against Al Pacino in the film “The Devil’s Advocate” years later. In this cult thriller, Keanu Reeves proved he was capable of holding his own against one of Hollywood’s greatest legends.
