DOCTOR STRANGE: Many Fans Are Casting Keanu Reeves as the Doctor But He is Quite Unfamiliar With the Character
Actor Keanu Reeves is a man who has done his fair share of science fiction and fantasy films during his career. Whether he was a burnout traveling through time, "The One," or a chain-smoking demon fighter he's very familiar with those types of roles and has endeared himself to the Comic-Con fanbase.
He's also not all about making a tremendous amount of cash for the films he is in. In fact he donated very, very large portions of his paycheck(s) from The Matrix sequels to the special effects and stunt crew members' salaries. Reeves has gone on the record stating it's not about getting the big paycheck — he's said that he's made plenty of money to live the rest of his days — but it's about the role itself and whether he loves it or not.
Rarely are their actors who have reached a comfort level in their career where they can pick and choose roles they want. Reeves is one of the few who can live this type of lifestyle professionally and personally. But the real question is if Reeves would ever be interested in a Marvel Studios role, especially One that would require at least a 6- or 9-picture contract commitment.
After actor Joaquin Phoenix dropped out of contention for the leading role in Marvel's Doctor Strange, many fans have since said that Reeves could be great for the role. He certainly has the look for the role of an older Dr. Stephen Strange but is it a role he is comfortable with? The actor answers these questions in a new interview with Collider.com.
"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 [a] good or great level. I like the idea. I go to those kinds of movies. I grew up on them and comics and graphic novels. [But] I didn’t know Doctor Strange as a character, I didn’t read that as a kid. I’m gonna have to read it. I remember reading something… who’s going to play Doctor Strange? Would I be good for the role."
Reeves did work with Marvel's Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson on The Day The Earth Stood Still, so it's easy to connect the dots on this hypothetical. However, it seems like Reeves isn't a fit for this particular role, unless he starts reading the good Doctor's comics and falls in love with the character over the next week or two. Anything is possible... especially when you're talking about an actor who is quite familiar with similar types of films.
The only setback may be Reeves' age. He's 50. Yes, you read that correctly. Reeves is 50 and while he looks like he is in his 30s still, his age may not be good for such a longterm role like Doctor Strange which could see him needed for the role for the next decade.
Related Posts: DOCTOR STRANGE Director Scott Derrickson Sets Up Shop on the Disney Lot For Pre-Production Work
Report: Joaquin Phoenix Officially Out as DOCTOR STRANGE, Marvel Continues Search For Leading Actor
The only setback may be Reeves' age. He's 50. Yes, you read that correctly. Reeves is 50 and while he looks like he is in his 30s still, his age may not be good for such a longterm role like Doctor Strange which could see him needed for the role for the next decade.
Related Posts: DOCTOR STRANGE Director Scott Derrickson Sets Up Shop on the Disney Lot For Pre-Production Work
Report: Joaquin Phoenix Officially Out as DOCTOR STRANGE, Marvel Continues Search For Leading Actor