'Hobbs & Shaw': David Leitch Denies Keanu Reeves Was Ever In The Film, But Tried & Hopes Collaboration Comes Down The Road

There isn’t an actor or human being, really who’s been having a better year than Keanu Reeves. Between “John Wick Chapter 3,” “Always Be My Maybe,” “Toy Story 4,” and his “breathtaking” involvement in next year’s video game “Cyberpunk 2077,” it’s safe to say the Reevolution is in full swing as the icon has become pop culture’s latest obsession. What’s even crazier is that Reeves could have reunited with “John Wick” co-director David Leitch to finish out 2019 with a bang (literally) in “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.”

Back in April, it was rumor reported that Keanu Reeves would be the surprise big bad in “Hobbs & Shaw” claiming, “Right now we don’t have any more details about the exact role Reeves will play in ‘Hobbs & Shaw.’ We only know that he is somehow tied to the film’s main villain, Brixton (Idris Elba). It’s possible, according to the source, that Reeves’ character will be revealed towards the end of the movie. Alternatively, he could appear in an end-credits scene to set up the sequel we all know will be coming.”

During an interview with Leitch for an upcoming episode of The Fourth Wall, The Playlist inquired about Reeves’s involvement and if they did in fact shoot scenes with the “John Wick” actor. The answer is no.

“No, we never shot a scene, and I did talk to Keanu about being in the film,” Leitch said. “It just wasn’t the right time when he was doing things. We’ve been talking about it for a long time, and I wasn’t sure in what capacity. It was early on, and it kept lingering. Even through editorial, I was thinking of ideas if he was interested and he wanted to be seated in this world how we could do it. So, it really just came down to things he wanted to do and everybody’s schedule. It didn’t work out on this one, but I look forward to working with Keanu on something hopefully.”

While fans hoping to see Keanu Reeves go toe to toe with The Rock and Jason Statham will be disappointed this go around, Leitch’s statement does indicate that there was some semblance of truth to the initial report. The director very well could have been trying to fit Reeves into the villain role before scheduling conflicts arose. However, the amount of planning that went into potentially bringing Reeves onboard and Leitch’s closing statement indicates he is itching to work with Reeves again.

With Marvel Studios‘ Kevin Feige eager to work with Reeves and “Deadpool” now being under the Marvel Studios banner, the possibility of Leitch and Keanu reteaming on a future Deadpool project could be in the cards. It’s more likely we’ll see the actor emerge in the inevitable “Hobbs & Shaw” sequel, but regardless, the prospect of Leitch and Reeves pairing up again might give Johnson and Statham a run for their money.

Stay tuned for our full conversation with David Leitch on The Fourth Wall podcast and “Hobbs & Shaw” rolls into theaters August 2nd.