Keanu Reeves reveals he will return for Speed 3 on one condition. One of the first major roles that established him as an action hero, Reeves starred in the 1994 film as Jack Traven, an LAPD SWAT officer who must stop a bus packed with explosives from exploding if his speed drops below 50 miles per hour. After the success of Speed, Reeves did not get back together with Sandra Bullock for 1997’s Speed 2: Cruise Control which is considered one of the worst sequels of all time.
During a recent interview with Access Hollywood at the John Wick: Chapter 4 premiere, Reeves was asked if he’d be willing to return for the much-discussed Speed 3 alongside Bullock. Reeves answered “certainly”, without hesitation, even if there is a necessary condition for his return: “a great story, a great script”. Watch the relevant part of the interview below, starting at 2:41.
Also, in addition to being the protagonist, Reeves was very involved in the creation of the character of Jack Traven. The actor didn’t approve of how he was portrayed in Graham Yost’s original script, so he forced uncredited co-writer Joss Whedon to completely rework the character from “rude and daredevil” to “the polite guy who tries not to let no one die.” Reeves was also supposed to return for Speed 2 but opted out because he didn’t like the script written by Randall McCormick and Jeff Nathanson. Therefore, it is not surprising that Reeves’ condition to return in Speed 3 is a “great script”.
Jan de Bont, who directed both Speed films, has previously commented on the possibility of Speed 3, saying it all depends on the quality of the story and the availability of the cast. While Bullock has only joked about the possibility of Speed 3, Reeves seems to make himself available if there’s a good script. It’s unclear whether a possible third film will turn to Yost or find new writers, but in light of the comments from Reeves and De Bont, it’s clear that a good script is the sine qua non for making Speed 3.
Source: Access Hollywood