If you have read me around these parts, you will know how much I like stories about alternate realities in which some of the most iconic characters of the seventh art are played by different actors to those who ended up reaching the big screen, so today I bring you a new anecdote set in nothing less than the universe of JRR Tolkien.
keanu’s dream
If we look back and go back to the early 2000s, there is no doubt that the great cinematographic phenomenon that marked the transition to the new century – and the new millennium – was the extraordinary trilogy of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ led by Peter Jackson and starring a perfect cast no matter where you look.
Well, this cast could have been a little different if the dreams of Keanu Reeves had come true, who had just made half the world fall in love with his Neo in ‘The Matrix’ and who he tried by all means to convince the New Zealand director to sign him to play Aragornson of Arathorn, heir to Isildur and… well, you know.
During an interview with the Australian magazine Rip it Up published 25 years ago, Reeves expressed his desire to give life to the ranger:
“I’m asking to play Aragorn. I’d love to work with him.” [Peter Jackson], but I’m not sure if it will go ahead. I hope you do. Peter Jackson is doing this and I think I’m going to have to beg for the part. I have people making calls right now. Hopefully he’ll think I’m right for the part. I am the man you are looking for. I’m here”.
Finally, in our universe, good old Keanu gave in to a perfect Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn. But, looking at things positively, he saved himself from breaking two toes on one foot kicking a helmet…
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