Keanu Reeves has earned widespread acclaim not only for his exceptional acting abilities but also for his reputation as one of the most genuinely kind and humble individuals in Hollywood. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Reeves has become a symbol of humility and just being plain nice. He was also part of a grueling training process for The Matrix.
The iconic actor is celebrated for his outstanding performances in iconic films like John Wick, Speed, The Matrix, and many others. Keanu Reeves’ impressive filmography has solidified his status as one of the most highly regarded and respected names in the business for good reason.
The Matrix Cast Had To Endure A Lot of Grueling Training
The release of The Matrix in March 1999 was impeccably timed, coinciding with an era marked by the burgeoning potential of the internet, juxtaposed with the looming uncertainty of Y2K and fears of a technological apocalypse. During this period, the distinction between reality and virtual reality was increasingly blurred, providing fertile ground for exploration.
Writer/director siblings Lilly and Lana Wachowski adeptly captured the exhilarating yet apprehensive zeitgeist of the time with their innovative feature film, which seamlessly melded their comic book influences with cinematic brilliance.
While speaking to PEOPLE, during one of their initial meetings, the Wachowskis informed Keanu Reeves that he would need to undergo four months of training for fight choreography and Hong Kong-style wire work. Despite the rigorous demands, Reeves enthusiastically accepted the challenge. However, unforeseen circumstances arose when, just before his training was set to commence, he underwent emergency spinal surgery to address a herniated disc.
Reeves recounted his struggles, including loss of balance, even in mundane activities like showering, When he eventually arrived in Burbank for training, he was still recovering, wearing a neck brace and prohibited from kicking for the first few months.
“I got a big grin on my face and said, ‘Yes.'” Unfortunately, by the time he was due for training, he’d recently undergone emergency spinal surgery to treat a herniated disc. “I was falling over in the shower in the morning, because you lose your sense of balance.”
Similarly, Carrie-Anne Moss experienced the grueling nature of the process during her audition, enduring a three-hour physical test and nearly a week of stunt screen tests. The intense regimen left her unable to walk for days afterward. Hugo Weaving, who portrayed the villainous Agent Smith, encountered his own setback when he injured his femur early in training, necessitating the use of crutches until he could heal.
“I couldn’t walk for days. After the first day, I was so shattered and so shocked. I realized I was so unfit.”
Reflecting on his initial struggles, Weaving admitted feeling shattered and shocked by his level of fitness, realizing he was woefully unprepared for the physical demands of the role. Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves’ stuntman, Chad Stahelski, faced even more severe injuries during filming, including a dislocated shoulder, damaged knees, and multiple broken ribs.
How Much Money Has Keanu Reeves Made In The Matrix Franchise
Keanu Reeves is a highly successful Hollywood actor, earning eight-figure salaries for his iconic role in the Matrix films. The latest installment, 2022’s The Matrix Resurrections, had a substantial $190 million budget and, despite being considered a box office disappointment, the previous three films in the franchise were financial successes – especially with international audiences.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Keanu Reeves received an initial salary of $10 million for The Matrix, but his negotiation for backend fees ultimately resulted in a total of $35 million for the first movie alone. He went on to earn $120 million in bonuses for The Matrix 2 and The Matrix 3. On top of that, Variety reports that he received approximately $14 million upfront for The Matrix 4. In total, Keanu Reeves has earned over $200 million for his role in the franchise.
