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Keanu Reeves has earned widespread acclaim not only for his exceptional acting abilities but also for his reputation as one of the most genuinely kind and humble individuals in Hollywood. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Reeves has become a symbol of humility and just being plain nice. He was also part of a grueling training process forThe Matrix.

Keanu Reeves

The iconic actor is celebrated for his outstanding performances in iconic films likeJohn Wick, Speed, The Matrix, and many others. Keanu Reeves’ impressive filmography has solidified his status as one of the most highly regarded and respected names in the business for good reason.

The MatrixCast Had To Endure A Lot of Grueling Training

The release ofThe Matrixin March 1999 was impeccably timed, coinciding with an era marked by the burgeoning potential of the internet, juxtaposed with the looming uncertainty of Y2K and fears of a technological apocalypse. During this period, the distinction between reality and virtual reality was increasingly blurred, providing fertile ground for exploration.

Writer/director siblings Lilly and Lana Wachowski adeptly captured the exhilarating yet apprehensive zeitgeist of the time with their innovative feature film, which seamlessly melded their comic book influences with cinematic brilliance.

Keanu Reeves as Neo

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While speaking toPEOPLE, during one of their initial meetings, the Wachowskis informedKeanu Reevesthat he would need to undergo four months of training for fight choreography and Hong Kong-style wire work. Despite the rigorous demands, Reeves enthusiastically accepted the challenge. However, unforeseen circumstances arose when, just before his training was set to commence, he underwent emergency spinal surgery to address a herniated disc.

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Reeves recounted his struggles, including loss of balance, even in mundane activities like showering, When he eventually arrived in Burbank for training, he was still recovering, wearing a neck brace and prohibited from kicking for the first few months.

“I got a big grin on my face and said, ‘Yes.'” Unfortunately, by the time he was due for training, he’d recently undergone emergency spinal surgery to treat a herniated disc. “I was falling over in the shower in the morning, because you lose your sense of balance.”

“He’s trying to get her to go out”: Keanu Reeves Reportedly Playing Sandra Bullock’s Wingman to Get Back Into Dating After Confessing His Massive Crush on Her

Similarly, Carrie-Anne Moss experienced the grueling nature of the process during her audition, enduring a three-hour physical test and nearly a week of stunt screen tests. The intense regimen left her unable to walk for days afterward. Hugo Weaving, who portrayed the villainous Agent Smith, encountered his own setback when he injured his femur early in training, necessitating the use of crutches until he could heal.

“I couldn’t walk for days. After the first day, I was so shattered and so shocked. I realized I was so unfit.”

“They think they can break me”: Keanu Reeves Returns to DC in Oscar-worthy Constantine 2 Concept Trailer

Reflecting on his initial struggles, Weaving admitted feeling shattered and shocked by his level of fitness, realizing he was woefully unprepared for the physical demands of the role. Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves’ stuntman, Chad Stahelski, faced even more severe injuries during filming, including a dislocated shoulder, damaged knees, and multiple broken ribs.

How Much Money Has Keanu Reeves Made InThe MatrixFranchise

Keanu Reeves is a highly successful Hollywood actor, earning eight-figure salaries for his iconic role in theMatrixfilms. The latest installment, 2022’sThe Matrix Resurrections, had a substantial $190 million budget and, despite being considered a box office disappointment, the previous three films in the franchise were financial successes – especially with international audiences.

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According toCelebrity Net Worth, Keanu Reeves received an initial salary of $10 million forThe Matrix, but his negotiation for backend fees ultimately resulted in a total of $35 million for the first movie alone. He went on to earn $120 million in bonuses forThe Matrix 2andThe Matrix 3. On top of that,Varietyreports that he received approximately $14 million upfront forThe Matrix 4. In total, Keanu Reeves has earned over $200 million for his role in the franchise.

Subhojeet Mookherjee

Articles Published :499

Subhojeet Mookherjee is a Freelance Entertainment Writer for FandomWire. A lover and expert in all things movies, games, TV shows, music and more. I’ve been in the writing business for over five years now, covering various topics all over the world. I love engaging in deep conversations with like-minded people.

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Keanu ReevesThe Matrix

The Matrix starring Keanu Reeves