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Keanu Reeves’ acting career may have skyrocketed withThe Matrix,but it did not start there. He had done a lot of movies before, withSpeedbeing a massive hit. He worked with Al Pacino inThe Devil’s Advocateand Taylor Hackford had to try to convince Pacino three times for him to take up that role.
His role as the titular character inThe Godfathergot him so much fame and somewhat framed his career. While his film with Reeves did not get as much recognition, critics did focus on Al Pacino’s acting and how he had very charismatically brought his character to life. However, Reeves almost missed out on his chance of working with the actor.
Also Read:Keanu Reeves Says He Did More Challenging Stunts at 58 in John Wick 4 Than He Did 24 Years Ago in The Matrix
Al Pacino Refused To DoThe Devil’s AdvocateWith Keanu Reeves
Taylor Hackford was very confident about wantingAl Pacinoin his movie as John Milton.Keanu Reeveshad refused to be in theSpeedsequel and was ready to star inThe Devil’s Advocateas Kevin Lomax. The gist of the movie had been simple yet interesting. The supernatural drama followed Lomax in a law firm working under Milton. The firm’s success and his boss’ success make Reeves’ character wonder if Pacino’s character is just an ordinary lawyer or the actual Devil in disguise.
“Suddenly it became a challenge,” the actor stated. “[But] you want a challenge in this business, you want to see if you can reach what you’re going for. As Lee Strasberg used to say, ‘Man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what is heaven for?”
Hackford had to keep altering the script because theScarfaceactor kept rejecting the movie. Pacino had apparently said no to taking up the part three times. He did not believe the role fit him so well and the first time the script came to him, it had been incomplete. So after a lot of work and convincing, it had finally been deemed good enough for the actor to say yes to the role.
Also Read:“Can I please have some more?”: Keanu Reeves, Hollywood’s Nicest Man, Had to Beg WB to Greenlight Constantine 2 Despite Consecutive Box-Office Blockbusters
Keanu Reeves Loved Working With Al Pacino
Keanu Reeves’s experience working with Al Pacino had been delightful. He got to learn a lot and his acting mesmerized Reeves.
“I knew by working with [Mr. Pacino] I could only raise my game, so to speak. We work in totally different ways but our relationship was, for me anyway, fantastic. I had some of the best times of my life with him.”
While the movie did not gain as much recognition, both actors got a lot of praise for their acting. It had been an enlightening experience for both of them and the movie became a hidden gem for the audience.
Also Read:“I’m definitely going to try my darndest to try”: Keanu Reeves Unsure if Constantine 2 Will Happen Under James Gunn’s New DCU Reign
Source:New York Daily News
Adya Godboley
Anime Content Manager
Articles Published :1879
Adya Godboley is the Anime Content Lead at FandomWire with over 1800 published articles. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-certified critic with a background in literature. From The Case Study of Vanitas to Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, her anime knowledge is one she’s gathered with years of experience. She also enjoys Marvel, DC and Superhero media with her works having been recognized by prominent figures such as Dwayne Johnson, Abby Trott and the Blood of Zeus creators.
