Keanu Reeves as Aragorn? Yeah, it almost happened. In the late 1990s, Reeves was vying for the part of the rough ranger, but Viggo Mortensen nailed it in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
While on the Matrix press tour, Reeves said he was considering Middle-earth. He said straight up, “I’m petitioning to play Strider,” and added, “I’d love to work with [Peter Jackson], but I’m not sure if it’s going to go ahead. I hope I can.” And if that wasn’t enough, he later doubled down with TV Week in Australia, saying, “I might have to go begging for the role… I’m the man. I’m there.” Keanu was ready.
But despite the calls and Keanu’s enthusiasm, Peter Jackson didn’t bite. Maybe Jackson missed a few memos? More likely, Reeves was too wrapped up in The Matrix sequels to juggle The Lord of the Rings, which was shot back-to-back. Tough timing.
Originally, Stuart Townsend was cast as Aragorn, but Mortensen swooped in and made the role iconic. While Reeves as Aragorn would’ve been something wild, there’s no denying Mortensen was born for it. Mortensen embodied Strider so fully, it’s hard to imagine anyone else.
Still, Keanu Reeves as a sword-wielding ranger? That would’ve been one for the books. And who knows? Perhaps Keanu will still have his chance in Middle-earth with the upcoming second season of The Rings of Power. Stay alert for the next exciting development.
Keanu Reeves Reflects on 25 Years of The Matrix and Its Legacy
Looking back, Keanu Reeves realises The Matrix affected his life. Reeves discussed the 1999 classic’s relevance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on its 25th anniversary. “The Matrix changed my life, and then over these years, it’s changed so many other people’s lives in really positive and great ways,” he said.
The Wachowski-directed sci-fi flick didn’t just redefine Reeves’ career—it shook up cinema. From bullettime effects to philosophical undertones, The Matrix left a massive imprint. “I think the influences that went into The Matrix brought those influences to other filmmakers,” Reeves added, pointing out how the film shaped anime-inspired visuals and action sequences in Hollywood.
And guess what? Reeves still holds onto a piece of The Matrix Magic—the red pill from the original set. However, Danny Boyle is directing a stage adaptation, and Drew Goddard, who wrote The Martian, is writing a new film.
Whether Reeves will be back as Neo? That’s still under wraps. But with Lana Wachowski involved, it’s anyone’s guess.
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