What Marvel Role Did Keanu Reeves Reject & Why?

While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is already packed with talented actors and actresses, there’s always room for more faces – including veterans like Keanu Reeves. Many fans may be surprised to know that Keanu Reeves has often been considered for MCU releases. Now, we’re curious to find out which Marvel role Keanu Reeves rejected and why.

Keanu Reeves has rejected multiple MCU roles to date, with the most well-known being the villain Yon-Rogg featured in Captain Marvel (2019). Keanu Reeves is interested and is almost always considered during movie production, but he is usually limited due to conflicting schedules or projects.

Although it may seem that Keanu Reeves simply isn’t interested in joining the MCU squad, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Stick around to find out everything there is to know about Keanu Reeves taking roles in MCU titles, including all of the roles he has turned down so far, which role he wants to play most, and more.

Which Marvel roles did Keanu Reeves reject?

Keanu Reeves is an absolute entertainment legend, an icon across numerous genres and age groups. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe welcoming so many infamous actors and actresses over the years, including Robert Downey Jr., Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, and more recently, Angelina Jolie, the concept of Keanu Reeves joining the team isn’t far-fetched at all.

Keanu Reeves has actually been at the top of the ‘MCU most wanted’ list for many years, frequently considered for numerous roles by Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios as a whole. Kevin Feige has stated that the crew talks to Keanu Reeves for nearly every film that they create, and they have offered quite a few roles over the years.

However, much to their disappointment, Keanu Reeves has rejected the proposed role each and every time. Below is a list of all the MCU roles that Keanu Reeves has turned down to date.

It’s also been rumored that Keanu Reeves was specifically mentioned when referencing the “type of actor” needed for the MCU role of Moon Knight. However, it’s unknown if Keanu Reeves was actually approached and formally offered the role.

Why did Keanu Reeves reject Marvel?

Keanu Reeves was reportedly excited but turned down these Marvel roles due to scheduling conflicts and commitments, particularly in 2019 when Keanu Reeves was filming John Wick 3: Parabellum. The only exception is the proposed role of Kraven in Sony’s spinoff film, Kraven the Hunter, which marks the fourth film within Sony’s Spider-Man Universe following Venom, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, and Morbius.

The official reason for his decline is unknown, although many presumed it was related to conflicting commitments. Still, while not confirmed, it’s believed that Keanu Reeves would take a role from Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios before accepting one from Sony.

Does Keanu Reeves want to play a Marvel role?

Kevin Feige claims he does not know if Keanu Reeves will ever join the MCU cast, but Marvel Studios is hoping to make it possible. While some roles might not have been a good fit in Keanu Reeves’ eyes, the main issue always came down to the right timing.

Since Keanu Reeves is a firm fan of Marvel as a whole, he is eager to find a place within the MCU and has used the word “yet” numerous times regarding the topic. An interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live revealed that Keanu Reeves’ dream role would be Ghost Rider (Jonathan Blaze).

“10-year-old Reeves would want to … I think he’d probably want to be Ghost Rider.”

CNET

On the other hand, Keanu Reeves has also stated that he would like to play the role of a clawed Marvel hero. Specifically, the legendary Wolverine, possibly the most iconic X-Men hero and one of the most internationally renowned characters to date.

“…No…but I did always want to play Wolverine.”

Reddit AMA

Even Keanu Reeves fans have argued that Hugh Jackman has essentially been immortalized as this hero, being the universal face of Wolverine for over 20 years. Many fans believed that it would be too late due to the character’s arc drawing to a close with 2017’s Logan.

Hugh Jackman is set to make a surprise return in Deadpool 3 alongside Ryan Reynolds, and many presume this will provide fans with some closure. It’s rumored that, while this may be the end of Logan’s story, it may not be the end of Wolverine.

While there is no evidence to suggest Keanu Reeves will take the stage after Hugh Jackman’s Logan takes his final bow, it’s certainly possible. Marvel continues to expand on the saga while introducing Greek mythology, Multiverse theories, alternate realities – and, possibly Keanu Reeves in the future, whether it be as Wolverine, another heroic character, or even an unexpected villain.

That’s everything there is to know about Keanu Reeves joining the MCU crew. Although Keanu Reeves has not accepted Marvel roles so far, there is still hope – in addition to his positive relationship with the MCU boss, a few upcoming roles may just have Keanu Reeves on board.

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