Actor Keanu Reeves had the voice role of Batman in the animated movie DC League of Super-Pets (2022), but apart from that, we have never seen Reeves playing a major superhero role despite being one of the biggest superstars in the entertainment industry.
In 2019, the actor almost joined Marvel’s Eternals (2021), which mostly received negative reviews because it couldn’t live up to the expectations. Looking back at it, Reeves dodged a bullet as his MCU debut would’ve been tragic if he appeared in Eternals. There is one particular Marvel character that Reeves really likes and once stated that he would love to play in the franchise.
Keanu Reeves almost made his MCU debut in Eternals (2021)
Keanu Reeves
In 2019, when Kevin Feige announced 2021’s Eternals, there were rumors that actor Keanu Reeves was approached for a secret role. As per MCU Cosmic (via CBR) the actor was approached during the pre-production stage but he rejected the role.
Reeves was also interested in playing Yon-Rogg in 2019’s Captain Marvel, but he had to leave the project because of scheduling conflicts. In 2020, there were once again rumors about Reeves making an appearance in the Disney+ series, Moon Knight.
The actor responded to the rumors
Keanu ReevesIn November 2021, Reeves appeared on Esquire’s Explain This and directly addressed rumors regarding his MCU debut. The actor said,
“Isn’t it bigger than a universe? It’s almost like a Multiverse. It’s a Marvel-verse. You know, it would be an honor. There’s some really amazing directors and visionaries. They’re doing something no one’s really ever done. It’s special in that sense in terms of the scale, the ambition, the production, so it would be cool to be a part of that.”
Given his action work in iconic franchises like John Wick, The Matrix, and Speed, Reeves has what it takes to be a Marvel superhero.
Keanu Reeves wants to play this Marvel superhero
Keanu Reeves
In March 2023, Reeves revealed which Marvel superhero character he would like to play during a small Q&A session on Reddit. The actor was asked, “Has there ever been a role in your career that you regret turning down?” He then replied,
“…No…but I did always want to play Wolverine.”
On multiple occasions, Reeves has revealed that it is his childhood dream to play Wolverine. As of now, it has been confirmed that actor Hugh Jackman is returning to play Wolverine in Deadpool 3, which will hit the theatres in May 2024.