Over the past few years, the entire Hollywood seems to have at least once marched to the gates of Marvel Studios to be a part of the acclaimed MCU projects. However, among the pool of actors, Keanu Reeves seems to be the only one who kept himself away from starring in a single Marvel movie.
Keanu Reeves
Despite having a deep interest in comic book characters, Keanu Reeves never appeared in the superhero genre except for the 2005 DC project Constantine. And certainly, he never appeared as a part of the MCU, since a few things about the franchise forced him to take a step back.
Kevin Feige Wanted Keanu Reeves To Join MCU
With renowned stars from Hollywood taking their turn and starring in Marvel projects, studio head Kevin Feige revealed how he wanted Keanu Reeves to try out once. Considering the actor’s potential after watching him in John Wick, Feige mentioned striking deals with Reeves.
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Kevin Feige has been trying to feature Keanu Reeves in Marvel movies
Even Keanu Reeves expressed his deep interest in comic book characters and superheroes. However, nothing came to fruition because supposedly things didn’t align with the actor. Speaking to ComicBook, Kevin Feige confirmed how he has been requesting Reeves to take on an MCU role.
“We talk to him for almost every film we make. We talk to Keanu Reeves about. I don’t know when, if, or ever he’ll join the MCU, but we very much want to figure out the right way to do it.”
Keanu Reeves in Constantine (2005)
But unfortunately, Keanu Reeves never wore the cape for Marvel projects. Although the actor appeared as the fictional DC Comics character John Constantine in the 2005 film Constantine, Reeves seemed to have some concerns surrounding the MCU. Although the actor mentioned being excited about the opportunity, he also discussed what gave him pause.
Keanu Reeves Had His Reservations About Marvel
Following Kevin Feige’s confirmation, it seems Keanu Reeves has been considered for superhero roles multiple times. Once the actor was eyed to play the X-Men character Wolverine. Further, Reeves discussed how the Marvel character Ghost Rider once caught his eye. And then on a recent note, he also mentioned being tied to the character of Doctor Strange.
Reeves has often been considered for MCU roles
However, nothing really worked for him, as Keanu Reeves was not only interested but also cautious about committing to Marvel Studios. Reflecting upon the super stretched contracts Reeves discussed with Collider, how that particular problem discouraged him from joining the franchise.
“From a practical standpoint, the idea of a longtime contract is sort of ‘errr’ because you want to make sure the material is up to a certain level. Like the good or great level.”
Reeves’ concerns about extensive Marvel contracts kept him from joining MCU
Well, Reeves’ concerns about MCU’s longtime contracts are not completely baseless, for he isn’t the only one who pointed them out. Even Elizabeth Olsen, Scarlett Johansson, Zachary Levi, Jeremy Renner, and several other Marvel stars expressed their frustration with extensive Marvel contracts that led them to lose other acclaimed projects.
Source: Collider, ComicBook
