As a die-hard fan who grew up watching Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock‘s iconic performances in Speed, I can’t help but feel a surge of nostalgia as we approach the 30th anniversary of this cinematic masterpiece. The idea of a third installment has been floating around for decades now, and it seems that the universe might just align to make it happen.
In the spring of 1994, it would have been hard to foresee one of the greatest action movies ever made was about to hit the screens, with Keanu Reeves, known for his role as Ted “Theodore” Logan, and then relatively unknown Sandra Bullock in the leading roles (and Dennis Hopper, of course). The original Speed movie was a cinematic marvel, but its sequel, also starring Jason Patric and set at sea, couldn’t capture the initial film’s dynamic brilliance. Could there ever be a Speed 3 to rectify that mistake?
For over three decades, fans of the Jan de Bont thriller “Speed” have been eagerly inquiring about a sequel, especially since it marks 30 years since its release in 1994. Although Keanu Reeves previously seemed uninterested in the concept back in 2014, recent developments suggest that “Speed 3” might appear on movie schedules by 2025, assuming all parties are on board. Sandra Bullock has expressed enthusiasm if any Hollywood studios would allow de Bont to reprise his role.
In a Q&A session with Keanu Reeves and the director (as reported by THR), Bullock playfully suggested that if a third Speed movie were to happen, it would be like a slower-paced version for older actors, but she later expressed a genuine hopefulness about it.
These events unfolded due to the individual in the greenish jacket over yonder. Today, he seems unusually calm and kind, which surprises me because he’s not the person I recall. However, he was the one who fueled the project with energy and creativity, understood the audience’s preferences, and motivated everyone to deliver accordingly. So, what film would captivate Jan’s genius and intellect? It would be a challenging endeavor for all involved. I wonder if our current industry is prepared to take on such a challenge and show the courage to bring it to life.
For added understanding, the stars and director had recently discussed the intense and entirely practical (non-CGI) production that led to the chaotic bus ride in Speed, the massive unfinished freeway stunt, the airport scene and other moments. This meant everyone was aware that the director was prepared to push boundaries to create an exhilarating experience for viewers, and fortunately, without causing undue stress to his cast members.
Furthermore, executives from 20th Century Fox granted him significant creative freedom, within certain constraints, and de Bont utilized this opportunity extensively. This included attempting to hide the aftermath of an incident where a bus stunt went wrong, damaging several cameras in the process.
To be honest, it seems like he might not be the same groundbreaking filmmaker anymore, and perhaps wouldn’t take on such high-stakes projects behind the scenes. But if that’s true, discussing a potential Speed 3 becomes less intriguing because the world doesn’t necessarily need another rushed sequel for Annie Porter. What we truly yearn for is the rekindling of that undeniably convincing chemistry between Annie and Jack on screen once more.
In wrapping up her evaluation, Bullock admitted her uncertainty about the ideal catchphrase, but was certain that it should either embody de Bont’s perspective or none at all. Subsequently, she added:
It’s possible that I might be off base… If he can’t translate his ideas into a form that resonates with the audience, then it seems as though he’s fallen short. I’m at a loss for what would satisfy the audience.
Keanu Reeves faced a hiatus in the film industry after declining the offer for “Speed 2: Cruise Control”, which turned out to be one of his smarter career moves throughout his long and successful career. However, with many years having passed since his initial explosive success, revisiting that universe seems like an intriguing proposition for everyone involved. This is, of course, provided that Jan de Bont (and screenwriter Graham Yost) have nothing but great ideas for how to approach it.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve come to realize that just like some classic ’90s video games, movies from that era like Twister can be successfully sequelized without solely relying on the original cast and storyline. Speed is one of many action films that could potentially pull off a standalone sequel, but for now, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves to team up once more on the silver screen. Here’s hoping their ages never dip below 50!
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2024-10-09 17:07