A casting change after an actress declined a role in “Speed” allowed the film to feature the incredible chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.

Jan de Bont’s 1994 action film “Speed” became a landmark in the genre. Although Sandra Bullock starred alongside Keanu Reeves, the original choice for her role was Halle Berry, who declined the part. After the movie’s success, Berry regretted her decision to turn it down, but Bullock’s performance was instrumental in the film’s success.

The script for “Speed” was re-written, and many scenes were improvised, leading to it becoming the seventh-highest-grossing film of 1994 and earning two Academy Awards. Today, it’s still considered one of the greatest action films in cinematic history.

Before Sandra Bullock took the role, Halle Berry was approached to play Annie Porter in “Speed.” In 2019, during an interview with ET, Berry mentioned that she had declined the role because, in the script she read, “the bus didn’t leave the parking lot.” She later regretted her decision after seeing the movie’s success.

Even Meryl Streep and Kim Basinger were offered the part, but both declined, paving the way for Bullock, whose performance and chemistry with Keanu Reeves were central to the film’s blockbuster status. “Speed” grossed about $350 million globally against a budget of $30-37 million.

Halle Berry eventually worked with Keanu Reeves 25 years later in the action film “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum,” where she played Sofia. She revealed that she underwent six months of martial arts training and even broke three ribs during rehearsals.

Despite missing out on “Speed,” Berry built a successful career with roles in movies like “Monster’s Ball,” “Jungle Fever,” “Bulworth,” “Diе Another Day,” and “X-Mеn.” Her diverse filmography has solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.