Action star Keanu Reeves’ lone film to surpass $1Ƅ at the box office is an animated comedy.
Keanu Reeves is among the most adored Hollywood actors of his era, renowned for his martial arts prowess, compelling on-screen presence, and a charm that transcends cinema.
Keanu Reeves in John Wick.
From Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hᴜnt to Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow, every major star has one or two iconic roles that define their career. Despite their other remarkable works, these specific roles tend to overshadow any discussion about the actor. In Reeves’ case, it’s Neo from The Matrix and the titular character from John Wick.
However, despite the pivotal role these two franchises played in Reeves’ rise to stardom, neither The Matrix nor John Wick movies come close to matching the financial success of his highest-grossing film.
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Across his four-decade-long career, Keanu Reeves has appeared in only one $1 Ƅillion box-office Һit.
The opportunity arose in the animated comedy Toy Story 4, led by Tom Hanks, where Reeves voiced Duke Caboom, an enthusiastic Canadian stuntman. While Reeves’ portrayal of the failed stunt motorcyclist toy had a limited role in the film, the actor cherished the experience, revealing an instant connection with Duke.
“I don’t know what it was, but I instantly connected to Duke Caboom,” he told People. “I felt like his physicality was important, so even when he’s talking to you, he’s doing stunts. He can’t help himself.”
Aside from allowing him to forge a memorable bond with his character, Toy Story 4 holds significance in Reeves’ career due to its financial success. The 2019 comedy adventure grossed $1.073 ƅillion globally, marking Reeves’ first venture into the ƅillion-dollar club.
The Matrix Reloaded, released in 2003, stands as his second-highest-grossing film, with a global collection of $738 million. Meanwhile, the John Wick franchise, despite its critical acclaim, only recently crossed the $1 ƅillion mark at the box office, spanning four installments.
How Keanu Reeves Landed His Role in Toy Story 4
Interestingly, Reeves didn’t secure the role of Duke due to his fɑme or past triumphs like The Matrix or John Wick. In fact, when director Josh Cooley heard his voice, he was unaware of Reeves’ identity.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the casting department conducted a blind audio test for decision-makers, including audio recordings of line readings from Canadian actors.
“With the first one, we said, ‘Wait, stop! Who is that?’ And it was Keanu,” Cooley recalled at the movie’s premiere.
Tim Allen, a regular in the franchise as the voice of Buzz Lightyear, praised Reeves’ performance, likening it to Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Ken in Toy Story 3.