TIL: Keanu Reeves Was in ‘Poetic Justice’
Today I learned that Keanu Reeves had a role in 1993 romantic drama “Poetic Justice” alongside west coast legend Tupac Shakur and pop royalty Janet Jackson, and you’ll never guess what part he played.
The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way. – Keanu Reeves
Well, Reeves was certainly paying attention. In the ’93 “poetic” drama Reeves played a homeless man, a street-dwelling role for which he received no credit?! Holy smokes! Although hard at work, Reeve’s only notable performance prior to “Poetic Justice” was his iconic role of Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan in “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” It’s crazy to think that Reeves’ career would go from uncredited to full-blown mega-star with consecutive hits starting with “Point Break” and “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” in 1991, “Dracula” in 1992 and then the fast past thriller “Speed” in 1994, which launched both his and co-star Sandra Bullock’s careers into epic strata.
Reeves’ career has definitely flourished since ’93, taken him from a no name hobo to being the ‘One’ in the epic “Matrix” Trilogy. Since his hobo days he has gone on to lead many major motion pictures, he created the “Side by Side” documentary series where a myriad of top filmmakers discuss process and technique, as well as stepping behind the camera and directing a film of his own (“Man of Tai Chi”). From his humble beginnings as a metal loving bro and uncredited street-dweller, Reeves has evolved into a multitalented and HIGHLY bankable household hollywood name.
With a recently announced sequel to the fan-adored badass action flick “John Wick,” a slew of gritty action/dramas and even an assassin-centric television mini-series in the pipeline, I don’t see Reeve’s straying far from the limelight anytime soon. With a busy 2015 and 2016, I am curious to see what tricks and treats the Actor/Producer/Director/Musician has in-store for audiences next.
It is an urban myth that Keanu played a part in that movie. Never happened.