Keanu Reeves Reportedly Refused Zack Snyder’s $185M Superhero Movie to Turn Down Iconic DC Role Before Expressing Desire to Play Ghost Rider in MCU

keanu reeves, ghost rider and zack snyder's justice leauge
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Keanu Reeves has been in the limelight recently after the release of John Wick: Chapter 4. The actor’s performance has garnered praise everywhere, and the film is running strong at the Box-office. Reeves is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, and his preference for action films might soon land him in an MCU film. The talks of this are not new, and the Parabellum actor has been prey to fan casting and even talks with top directors of the MCU for years now.  

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Keanu Reeves turned down this DC film 

Watchmen (2009)

When The Watchmen was being conceived by Zack Snyder who has also directed Justice League, Reeves was bought on board to play Dr. Manhattan. Reeves was initially interested and said, 

“I went to the set. They were shooting in Vancouver while we were filming so I went over to the set to say, ‘hi.’ They showed me some stuff and it looks amazing! I can’t wait. It’s going to be so killer, man!”

Dr. Manhattan
Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen

Unfortunately, Reeves could not work it out and had to pass the role. It was then played by Billy Crudup. The role turned out to be iconic and definitive in itself. Crudup’s performance was heavily praised along with the film.

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Also Read: “It just didn’t feel right creatively”: Dwayne Johnson Wanted Keanu Reeves for Major Role in $760M Hobbs & Shaw That Went to Ryan Reynolds

Keanu Reeves always wanted to play Ghost Rider in MCU

Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves in John Wick:Chapter 4

The Matrix star has always been very vocal about his love for comics, specifically Marvel comics. He also voiced his love and willingness to play Ghost Ridder. And despite many fans casting him as Kang or some other character, Reeves’ first choice has always been the Brimstone Biker. 

Also Read: Keanu Reeves Earns $40,000 For Speaking One Word in His Potential Final John Wick Movie

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Nicolas Cage as Ghost Rider
Nicolas Cage as Ghost Rider

The character has been played by many veterans of the industry like Nicolas Cage. Keanu Reeves has previously reiterated his willingness to play Ghost Rider on Jimmy Kimmel Live. When Reeves was asked about which Marvel character he was approached to play, the Matrix star dodged the question and said he would be stoked to play Ghost Rider.

This is not the first time he has expressed such an interest in playing the MCU character. There have also been rumors that Kevin Feige has been talking to Reeves about a possible role in the MCU. He once shared his opinion on MCU films, saying,

“That would be fun. I love those movies. It’s great to be in that kind of make-believe land and be in those big movies and have fun like that. Hopefully, one day, they can find something that I’m suitable for.”

Keanu Reeves in John Wick 4
Keanu Reeves in John Wick 4

Also Read: Keanu Reeves Nearly Starred Alongside Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. in $195M Controversial Movie Before Ben Stiller Decided Against the Role

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After his successful run as John Wick, Keanu Reeves might reprise his role as Constantine if DC allows it. Reeves has been hell-bent on a sequel and with his power and stardom, there is a fair chance he might turn the studio around. The first one was not a massive success or failure, yet Reeves said he loves the character and would like to play it again on screen.

Source: YouTube

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Written by Pragya Sancheti

Articles Published: 226

I have been working at FandomWire for more than 3 months with over 200 articles. Currently a college student with big aspirations and a ton of assignment. Pursuing Bachelors in Mass Communication and Videography from St. Xavier's.