As a die-hard Star Wars fan with decades of fandom under my belt, I must say I’m left feeling a bit bewildered by this recent revelation about The Acolyte and Keanu Reeves. It seems that while Lee Jung-jae delivered an exceptional performance as Master Sol, it was initially the enigmatic figure of Keanu Reeves who was Lucasfilm’s top choice.
After the recent cancellation of “The Acolyte” Star Wars series, new details about the show and casting process have emerged. It appears that Lee Jung-jae, known for his role in Squid Game, was not initially Lucasfilm’s first pick to play Master Sol. Instead, Jeff Sneider, a well-known insider, claims that Keanu Reeves, the one and only, was originally their top choice for the Jedi Master role.
It’s somewhat unexpected considering that showrunner Leslye Headland had previously stated she never thought of anyone other than Jung-jae for the role of Master Sol. Before the series debut, Headland discussed the character’s development and casting with IGN.
“I created this character without knowing who would be suitable to portray it across various levels. Then, while contemplating similar roles like Squid Game, I felt an instant connection, thinking ‘that’s the man for this role.’ However, I was unsure about contacting him or if he would even agree to act in English. Yet, it became strikingly apparent that the role belonged to [Lee], rather than just because he’s a renowned Korean actor.”
It is possible Lucasfilm was considering Reeves before Headland made her pitch for the series. Under those circumstances, it’s likely the potential Reeves casting was then tabled as the character developed and Jung-jae became the obvious and preferred choice for the role. Considering the series’ budget topped out at $180 million, it’s no doubt Lucasfilm were happy to save themselves on the casting, as Reeves would no doubt have come with a much higher fee. Then again, one can’t help but wonder if the inclusion of a big name like Keanu Reeves could have helped to draw a wider audience than the series eventually captured.
Keanu Reeves Is Still Being Eyed for a Future Star Wars Project
Despite not yet appearing in the Star Wars franchise through The Acolyte, Sneider also mentions that Keanu Reeves remains a top choice for the studio to join the galaxy far, far away. Currently, Lucasfilm is working on numerous Star Wars projects such as The Mandalorian and Grogu, and the New Jedi Order film featuring Daisy Ridley’s Rey. Fans have long anticipated seeing Reeves portray the character of Darth Revan in a story set during the Old Republic era.
Keanu Reeves is in demand by Marvel Studios, a company connected to Lucasfilm. In 2021, the Matrix actor admitted he had discussions with Kevin Feige, head of Marvel, regarding his potential involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but they have yet to finalize a role that would be fitting for him. Currently, Reeves is still expressing interest in playing DC’s Constantine again in a sequel to the 2005 film. Additionally, he will share the Broadway stage with his Bill & Ted costar, Alex Winter, in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot starting in Fall 2025.
Actor Keanu Reeves will lend his voice to the character Shadow in the upcoming film “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” slated for release by Paramount Pictures on December 20, 2024.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-08-26 16:01