Stating that you can "never say never" in Hollywood, Keanu Reeves recently addressed the possibility of returning as John Wick during a CBS News interview. Reeves, ever gracious, admitted that while his heart is still in it, his body might not be. At 60 years old, the seemingly ageless actor is starting to feel the wear and tear of embodying the relentless Baba Yaga for four movies straight.
"My heart does, but my knees are saying right now, 'You can’t do another John Wick.'"Keanu Reeves
Reeves appeared on the show primarily to discuss his role in Sonic The Hedgehog 3, where he voices Shadow, the angsty, gun-toting counterpart to Sonic. When CBS Mornings host Nate Burleson brought up the possibility of another Wick film, Reeves — still visibly fond of the character — didn’t shy away from his reservations. Still, fans can look forward to seeing him reprise the role in the upcoming 2025 spin-off movie Ballerina, which seems to be a more knee-friendly venture.
Despite his reluctance to commit to another full-fledged John Wick movie, Reeves' enthusiasm for playing Shadow was infectious. During the interview, Sonic director Jeff Fowler joked that Reeves' aging body would never stop him from portraying the animated anti-hero. In response, Reeves lit up, exclaiming, "Thanks, Jeff!" Such a quintessential Keanu moment.
For fans of the John Wick series, Reeves' comments might be bittersweet. The ending of John Wick: Chapter 4 left many wondering how the franchise could continue without its titular star. Although the movie’s narrative bent over backward to set up spin-offs featuring other characters, audiences will likely still crave Reeves' presence. After all, the series' staggering box office success, driven by its signature blend of stylized violence and Reeves' commitment to every stunt, has made the actor synonymous with the role.
It’s worth noting that John Wick director Chad Stahelski and Reeves have always shared a palpable joy in crafting the franchise’s over-the-top action sequences. Whether it's pulling off insane stunts or finding new ways to top themselves, their creative partnership has been central to the franchise’s success. Unfortunately, it seems that Reeves' knees have veto power, at least for now.
Still, in true Hollywood fashion, the door isn’t entirely closed. Reeves' willingness to embrace new franchises like Sonic continues to endear fans toward him and his choice in projects, ensuring that we will continue to enjoy his work — even if Baba Yaga takes a well-deserved rest.
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