1994’s Speed starring Keanu Reeves was arguably one of his biggest hits at that point, but he refused to return for a sequel because of one reason.

Keanu Reeves established himself as a bankable commercial action star in the 90s with films such as Point Break and The Matrix. However, Reeves’ 1994 action-drama Speed was a blockbuster and catapulted the actor to new heights. As a result, it was a surprise that Reeves did not return for a sequel.

Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in Speed
During an interview, Reeves spoke about not appearing in the 1997 sequel and revealed the real reason he passed on the project. At the same time, he also opened up about the possibility of revisiting the franchise in the future. Here is everything Keanu Reeves said about not reprising his role in Speed 2: Cruise Control.

Keanu Reeves Reveals the Exact Moment He Decided to Pass on Speed 2

Speed starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock was released on June 10, 1994, and received critical acclaim. The film emerged as a major commercial success, grossing over $350.4 million worldwide, and also won two Academy Awards. As a result, it came as a major surprise when Reeves declined to star in a sequel.

A still from Speed 2: Cruise Control
Speed 2: Cruise Control was released three years later with Bullock reprising her opposite Jason Patric in what turned out to be a critical failure. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Reeves opened up about not returning to star in a much-anticipated sequel.

“I loved working with Jan de Bont and Sandra, of course. It was just a situation in life where I got the script and I read the script and I was like ugggghhh.”

Reeves made the above statement (via Den of Geek) revealing his primary reason for backing out of the sequel was the poor script. Reeves also added he did not like the sequel’s shift of setting from a bus to a cruise ship, stating:

“It was about a cruise ship and I was thinking, a bus, a cruise ship… Speed, bus, but then a cruise ship is even slower than a bus and I was like, I love you guys but I just can’t do it.”

Ultimately, it seems Reeves opted out of the sequel primarily because was not on board with the idea of the basic premise of the first installment being retooled to work on a cruise ship. Reeves’ decision proved to be right as the sequel was a major box-office disappointment, collecting $164.5 million at the global box office.

Keanu Reeves Expresses an Interest in Returning For a Potential Speed 3

Keanu Reeves in Point Break
Despite having declined to star in the sequel, Reeves has expressed an interest in revisiting the Speed franchise for a potential third installment. In March 2023, Reeves was promoting his then-upcoming fourth installment in the John Wick franchise when he was asked about a possible Speed 3.

“A great story and a great script.”

Reeves made the above statement to Access Hollywood, expressing his only condition for reprising the role of Officer Jack Traven in a potential third installment of the Speed franchise.

However, at present, there aren’t any official reports about Speed 3 being in development. Meanwhile. Reeves was recently announced to be voicing Shadow in the third installment of Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, which is set to release in December 20, 2024.

Speed and Speed 2: Cruise Control is streaming on Starz.