Did Keanu Reeves Want To Play Batman And Wolverine?

Keanu Reeves is no stranger to large box office hits. He singlehandedly reinvented himself with The Matrix, which went on to be one of the most successful action franchises. That said, did Reeves want a chance at another successful franchise? As it turns out, there’s two franchises Reeves wanted a shot at.

The action star, whose film John Wick did well at the box office over the weekend, told Moviefone that he wanted to play Batman and Wolverine. So how close was he to taking on either? It doesn’t seem like he was on the short list for either action hero, but Reeves explained his desire.

“I always wanted to play Wolverine, but I didn’t get that. And they have a great Wolverine now. I always wanted to play The Dark Knight, but I didn’t get that one. They’ve had some great Batmans. So now I’m just enjoying them as an audience.”

With talk of franchises, it was inevitable that Keanu was asked about the upcoming Bill & Ted installment. While Alex Winter was excited to talk about the developments weeks ago, Reeves was a bit hesitant.

“We’re trying to do it. There’s a script. We’re trying to get the rights. We’re trying to raise the money. We’re trying to get a director. It’s still early days.”

Earlier in the week before John Wick hit theaters, Keanu revealed that these days he doesn’t get many studio options. In an interview with indieWIRE, Reeves expressed his dissatisfaction with his lack of control.

“The last studio movie I did was [2013’s] ’47 Ronin,’ but before that it had been a long time — probably [2008’s] ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still.’ So I haven’t been getting many offers from the studios. It sucks, but it’s just the way it is.”

That said, the former action star remained positive and seems to enjoy working regardless if it’s a huge hit.

“Even when I was working on studio movies more often, I was always doing independent movies. I want to keep going, making things, and telling stories. I want to be able to do that — to be an actor, a director, to produce, you know? If we’re going to do a delineation between studio and independent, I was always hoping to do both.”

Fortunately, John Wick had a strong first week at the box office, so maybe things will turn around for Keanu.

Could you have pictured Keanu Reeves as Batman or Wolverine?

[Image via 87Eleven/Thunder Road Pictures]