The Marvel Cinematic Universe was thisclose to having Keanu Reeves on board. Maybe it'll happen in the future? There were already reports that Reeves was considered for the Captain Marvel role that ultimately went to Jude Law. Now there's the suggestion that he would've taken the job, but John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum was a conflict.
That's per Charles Murphy of That Hashtag Show. On its own, it just sounds like a cool rumor. But it's worth noting that, in November 2017, io9 and Variety also reported that Keanu Reeves considered but passed on the role that ultimately went to Jude Law.
This additional detail suggests he didn't pass on the role itself. He didn't just brush it off as not for him for any number of reasons -- he reportedly passed on the timing of it since it conflicted with his prior commitment to the greatness of the John Wick franchise. Captain Marvel comes out March 8 and John Wick 3 arrives May 17. They had filming schedule conflicts, so he couldn't have done both.
Keanu Reeves made the right call to stick with John Wick, but -- if true -- this does suggest possible MCU interest from Keanu. He has previously expressed interest in playing more superheroes. He was already DC's John Constantine in Constantine (what happened to that sequel?), and he's obviously very comfortable in the action genre. (Plus he just joined Disney's Toy Story 4.)
So now maybe diehard Marvel Comics fans can think of a perfect spot for Keanu in MCU's Phase Four. (Unless he's too busy as the new Wolverine.) We may be losing a lot of originals with Avengers: Endgame, if the rumors and contracts are true.
Captain Marvel's Brie Larson even name-dropped the action star in an interview with EW:
I was an introvert with asthma before this movie. I really thought when they hired me, ‘I am the worst choice for an action movie.’ And I didn’t know that I had a little Keanu Reeves in me! Who knew?
Keanu Reeves has become shorthand for being a badass action star.
For the record, there's no confirmation from Marvel yet on Jude Law's role in Captain Marvel. At the time of his casting, fans guessed he'd be playing Mar-Vell. Since it was confirmed that Yon-Rogg will be in Captain Marvel, some fans think that's Law's role. Marvel is determined to make this a mystery.
Personally, I plan to see both Captain Marvel and John Wick 3 as soon as I can for roughly the same reason -- the animals. OK, not just for that. But Goose the cat (or not?) reportedly steals the show in Captain Marvel and John Wick 3 is adding a couple of new dogs. I'm am all about that suggestion that Goose and the John Wick dogs get their own spinoff. I don't care what they do, besides kick all the ass, because obviously.
Captain Marvel arrives in theaters March 8, John Wick 3 arrives May 17, and you can keep up with the dates you don't already have memorized by checking our handy 2019 movie schedule.
