Keanu Reeves stormed the action-thriller world when he donned the black leather trenchcoat and classy shades to play Neo in The Matrix all those years ago and his career went from strength to strength as the storyline moved through two inferior sequels, verging on cinematic narcissism for large portions of The Matrix Revolutions.
So, it’s now 2011 and apparently Mr Reeves might be dusting off the trenchcoat and returning to the digital world that made him a super star. Keanu recently revealed, whilst speaking about his new film Henry’s Crime at the London International School of the Performing Arts, that he’s had some discussions with the Wachowski brothers about the possibility of a revival. Thinking what we’re thinking?
It all sounds a bit random but Reeves apparently said he met the brothers over Christmas and they gave him some details about a two script continuation of the Matrix that they intended to shoot in 3D. Reeves even supposedly suggested, according to the folks over at Ain’t It Cool, that they had even met with 3-D guru James “King of the World” Cameron about the possibility of utilising the technology in these follow up chapters.
The actor is apparently delighted with potentially returning to the role but no shoot dates, official confirmation or even a murmur from other journalists at the event in London could suggest that this might all be one big stitch up.
My biggest question is whether anybody would want to give these brothers any more money to throw at the franchise, given that it was dying long before Act 3 of Revolutions. Whereas the original energised a genre, gradually the life force began to die and it succumbed to the clichés of its own genre. I’m personally not surprised that Reeves is excited at the chance to return to the role of Neo- think of the zero’s they will print on that contract and tell me you wouldn’t do it if it was you…
As a funny aside for when you’re next searching for a drinking game- switch on The Matrix and get yourself a BIG glass of something strong. Now drink every time they say “ the one”, “neo” and every time Keanu Reeves does his “ acting” face. (by this I mean the off-camera serious look after whipping his head round a bit. His brow is usually furrowed and his mouth slightly open).
All in good humour and I guarantee you will be utterly wasted before you even think about watching one of the sequels, which might just be a good thing.
