Just as The Acolyte was canceled, we also discovered that Keanu Reeves could have played the Jedi Sol. Lucasfilm has indicated their interest in casting Reeves, and the John Wick and Matrix actor appears equally interested. What could that mean for an upcoming Star Wars project?
Table of Contents
Keanu Reeves Could Be in an Upcoming Star Wars Project
Latest news reports like this one indicate that Keanu Reeves was considered for the part of Sol in The Acolyte and that he may be in an upcoming Star Wars project. Reeves was filming Ballerina, a spin-off from John Wick, when LucasFilm was working on the latest Star Wars show.
It appears that Reeves and LucasFilm have a mutual interest in one another, which bodes well for a role in the future. This would appeal to some fans too who have spoken online about how Reeves would make a perfect Jedi/Darth Revan, such as several posts here.
Talk about Reeves playing Revan in a new Star Wars show resurfaced with the announcement that he was considered for the role of Sol. As this article explains, Revan is a character that some fans “have been dying to see” Reeves play, and that could help redeem the franchise after The Acolyte was canceled.
Those who would like to see Reeves in this role think that the complexity of Revan’s character makes for a perfect match with the actor.
Revan and Reeves
Hailing from the roleplaying game Knights of the Old Republic, Revan was first a Jedi Knight who left the Order and became a Sith Lord. Yet, Revan was captured in a battle with the Jedi, who reprogrammed him to be loyal to the Republic. Revan rejoined the Jedi but was “continuously confronted with situations that test his loyalty,” including his resurfacing memories of being a Sith.
Revan’s journey from dark to light side makes for an interesting story and one that could align well with Keanu Reeves’s acting. As the star of the John Wick films, Reeves can summon a dark side for good causes that coincides with Revan’s character. Reeves seems to bring lighter and darker energies to his roles that straddle the makeup of Revan.
Reeves’s “star power” would also help draw in audiences, especially those unfamiliar with Revan. Reeves’s performances in The Matrix movies would also make him known to audiences and experience he could utilize in this role. His past work and his fame make him a strong candidate for Revan.
Reeves and Other Star Wars Characters
While Revan seems the most promising, that character may not be the only option for Reeves. Previous fan discussions have pointed out that Reeves could fit well as a bounty hunter, especially because of his John Wick role. We could imagine a taciturn figure with a mysterious grievance that he wants to settle.
One article lists out nine roles that Reeves could play in Star Wars besides Revan. These characters include an older Ben Solo, Count Dooku, and Stellan Gios. This last one is a Jedi Master that intersects with Sol. Gios was a Jedi during the High Republic who exemplified a “beacon of goodness” who sacrificed himself to “save millions of others.” He also demonstrated similar traits as Sol, such as not rushing into battle and listening to others.
Keanu Reeves and Star Wars
With the revelation that Keanu Reeves almost played Jedi Master Sol in The Acolyte, new reports are circulating that the actor could be in a Star Wars show soon. Reeves may gravitate toward a High Republic Jedi. Then again, he could perform well as a Sith. In-between, he may fit best as Revan, as many fans hope to see.
Todd Wahlstrom is a creative and analytical freelance writer and life-long Star Wars fan. He has covered such topics as Darth Vader, the Jedi, Boba Fett, and AT-AT Walkers. Todd has published a non-fiction book, holds a Ph.D. in history, and enjoys hiking, running, and reading about science.