“I don’t think it was really Shakespeare”: Keanu Reeves is a Firm Believer in Decades Long Crazy Conspiracy Theory

Keanu Reeves, best known for his acclaimed franchise John Wick believes that Shakespeare is not the sole writer of his plays

"I don't think it was really Shakespeare": Keanu Reeves is a Firm Believer in Decades Long Crazy Conspiracy Theory

SUMMARY

  • Keanu Reeves has an unorthodox belief about one of history's greatest literary figures - William Shakespeare.
  • The star of "The Matrix" and "John Wick" franchises expressed a deep interest in the authorship of William Shakespeare's plays.
  • Reeves, a firm believer in the Oxfordian theory, thinks that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the actual genius behind the works attributed to Shakespeare.
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Keanu Reeves, the renowned actor known for his roles in iconic movies like The Matrix and John Wick, a few years back revealed a fascinating and unconventional belief that spans centuries. In a video interview with BuzzFeed, Reeves shared his desire to witness a pivotal moment in literary history.

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Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films
Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films

When questioned about his preferred time period for time travel and the reason behind it, Reeves disclosed his enduring curiosity about the authorship of William Shakespeare’s works. Reeves has starred in several films based on the works of Shakespeare, including Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing, where he played Don John.

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What Does Keanu Reeves Think About the Authorship of William Shakespeare’s Works?

In a video interview with BuzzFeed, Keanu Reeves revealed his desire to travel back in time to uncover the truth about the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays.

He expressed skepticism about the commonly accepted narrative that William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, was the sole author of the renowned plays attributed to him.

I’ve always wanted to know since I was growing up, who really wrote the plays of Shakespeare,” Reeves confessed.

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Keanu Reeves in Much Ado About Nothing
Keanu Reeves in Much Ado About Nothing

So I want to be there for that moment when ‘Shakespeare’ wrote his works– Because I don’t think it was really Shakespeare… So I’d like to time travel to 1600s [and see] Shakespeare writing Hamlet.”

Reeves said that he believes in the Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare’s authorship. This theory, which has existed since the 19th century, posits that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of the Bard’s acclaimed works.

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This Theory Remains a Subject of Controversy Within Academic Circles

While the Oxfordian theory has gained traction among some scholars and literary enthusiasts, it remains a subject of controversy within academic circles. The mainstream consensus continues to support William Shakespeare as the true author, citing historical records and contextual evidence.

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Keanu Reeves in Speed
Keanu Reeves in Speed

The Oxfordian theory remains largely unsupported by mainstream Shakespearean scholarship. Critics argue that the evidence presented is circumstantial at best and that attributing Shakespeare’s works to someone else undermines his own literary genius.

Keanu Reeves’s belief in the Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare’s authorship added a unique dimension to the existing debate surrounding the Bard’s true identity.

Also Read: “I’m the little boy that used to sit at your feet when..”: Keanu Reeves’ Wholesome Moment With Dolly Parton After He Became a Hollywood Superstar Will Tear You Up

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Prantik Prabal Roy

Written by Prantik Prabal Roy

Articles Published: 778

Prantik Prabal Roy is a content writer at FandomWire. With over three years of experience in content writing for various media houses, he takes great interest in telling stories about Hollywood celebrities and the world revolving around them. He has done his Master's in English literature and diploma course in journalism. Being a literature student, he has the ability to delve into the matter and analyse it thoroughly to give the readers a clear view on the specific topics.