Keanu Reeves sidelined from a cult film in favor of Johnny Depp: the humiliating words of a famous director

Today, it’s hard to imagine action cinema without him. From Matrix, John Wick, to Speed, Keanu Reeves is one of Hollywood’s most popular actors. However, the Canadian actor hasn’t always been universally loved. Before becoming the iconic figure we know, he carried a reputation of being a “limited” actor for a long time. This image stuck with him for years and even led a famous British director to bluntly remove him from one of his most iconic projects.

“I wanted someone who could act”: Mike Newell didn’t want Keanu Reeves In 1997, Mike Newell directed Donnie Brasco, a mafia thriller praised for its performances by Johnny Depp and Al Pacino. Long before directing Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005, the British filmmaker was already recognized in Hollywood for films like Four Weddings and a Funeral. When choosing the undercover agent Donnie Brasco, Mike Newell had set his sights on Johnny Depp, whom he considered the ideal choice. Speaking to the London Times via Far Out Magazine, the director praised Depp as “a very, very intelligent actor.” But it was his comment about Keanu Reeves that left a mark. When asked why he didn’t choose Neo’s interpreter, Mike Newell replied bluntly: “Well, I wanted someone who could act.” This particularly sharp statement still surprises Keanu Reeves’ fans today, especially since it’s uncertain whether the actor was actually considered or auditioned for the role.

The filming of Donnie Brasco wasn’t easy for Johnny Depp Despite Mike Newell believing he had found the perfect actor in Johnny Depp, the filming of Donnie Brasco wasn’t a walk in the park for the American star. Facing Al Pacino was both impressive and destabilizing for him. Years later, Johnny Depp even went as far as calling his co-star “certifiably insane,” as Pacino from The Godfather could be unpredictable in front of the camera. This revelation is quite interesting, especially when compared to Mike Newell’s dig at Keanu Reeves. Even though the director clearly didn’t believe in him at the time, the Canadian actor eventually proved himself opposite Al Pacino in The Devil’s Advocate a few years later. In this cult thriller, Keanu Reeves showed that he could stand up to one of Hollywood’s greatest legends.