The work of Keanu Reeves (“Constantine”) is a sensation in itself. Whenever you wanted to say that the actor’s career was coming to an end, he managed to fight his way back to the top. Today, Keanu Reeves is regarded as one of the greatest action stars of all time, in no small part due to the iconic series “The Matrix” and “John Wick”.
If Keanu Reeves had his way, his filmography would gladly have expanded with a legendary trilogy, because in 1999 the actor threw himself for a role in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings saga. Reeves told the now-defunct Rip It Up magazine that he would like to travel to Middle-earth as Aragorn (aka Strider):
“I’m applying to become an ironer. I would really like to work with Peter Jackson, but I don’t know if it will happen. I hope the director thinks I’m right for the role.”
Application failed: Viggo Mortensen instead of Keanu Reeves
Apparently, Peter Jackson didn’t, because despite Keanu Reeves’ best efforts, Viggo Mortensen ended up getting the role of Aragorn. Everything that happened after that is history. The series “Lord of the Rings” was praised not only by critics, but also almost unanimously by the audience, grossed several billions worldwide at the box office and received a total of 17 Oscars – 11 of them alone could part 3, “The Lord of the rings: the return of the king”.
Nowadays, Keanu Reeves can certainly deal with the fact that Peter Jackson did not smile at him for the role of Aragorn, after all, Reeves is one of the most sought after and, last but not least, one of the most likeable Hollywood stars. With “John Wick”, the actor also has a very successful franchise at the beginning. And who knows, maybe Keanu Reeves can travel to Middle-earth one day.