At this stage of his career, Keanu Reeves has pretty much cemented himself as the go-to action star, thanks to the impact of the highly acclaimed John Wick movies. But before the actor found his footing in the action realm through movies like Speed and The Matrix franchise, the actor did showcase his versatility as an actor through projects like My Own Private Idaho.

However, tackling a project that deals with such a sensitive topic was a big risk for Reeves, who made a name for himself among the young demographic through Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. But despite the risks involved, the actor didn’t budge away from the project despite having an intense experience.

Keanu Reeves

Doing My Own Private Idaho was an intense experience for Keanu Reeves

Although Keanu Reeves was adamant about starring in My Own Private Idaho from the get-go despite the risks involved, working in the drama was one of his most challenging roles for him to date. Considering the actor was just done filming Point Break and was still in the character of Johnny Utah, the challenge of tackling such a layered role in My Own Private Idaho was overwhelming for him. But after garnering some boost from his costar River Phoenix and director Gus Van Sant, he did manage to overcome the odds, delivering an exceptional performance as Scott Favor.
“Shooting was a very intense experience.” Reeves explained. “I had just finished Point Break and was still into my character – I felt a bit of anxiety about Idaho. I was overwhelmed at what I had to do—it was like, Oh, no! Can I do this? I was afraid. But Gus and River made me fit in. Said, ‘Let’s do one b*tchin’ movie.’”
But unlike Reeves, who had no problem starring in the drama, convincing River Phoenix to star in the project took some effort from The Matrix star.
My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Keanu Reeves traveled thousands of miles to make sure River Phoenix takes the gig

Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix were great pals in the early 90s, as they starred together in I Love You To Death before Phoenix tragically passed away two years after My Own Private Idaho. But initially, after the director wrote the script for the film by keeping the two actors in mind, thus sending them the offer, apparently River Phoenix’s agent didn’t want her client to see the story. But after director Van Sant asked The Matrix star to pay his pal a visit at his family ranch in Florida, Reeves hop on his Norton Commando motorcycle, traveling thousands of miles to meet Phoenix in person.
River Phoenix

Fortunately for The Matrix star, it didn’t take a lot of convincing to make River Phoenix agree to play the tragic character of Mikey Waters, a drug addict, and a male pr-stitute, suffering from narcolepsy. Although they were aware of the risk that was involved in tackling such sensitive roles, the two did go on to commit to the material, delivering an excellent job.

“We were excited. It could have been like a bad dream—a dream that never follows through because no one commits, but we just forced ourselves into it.”

My Own Private Idaho (1991)

For Keanu Reeves, working in My Own Private Idaho was a significant turn in his career, as it made him synonymous with handling such layered characters, and the actor remains grateful for that.

My Own Private Idaho is available to stream on Apple TV.