In 2022 Hulu announced Devil in the White City series, in which Leonardo DiCaprio bought the film rights to the book written by Erik Larson in 2010. DiCaprio had previously slated it as a feature, with Paramount and Martin Scorsese to direct.However, in August of 2022, Hulu officially ordered episodes for the series. It was also announced Keanu Reeves would be the star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Reeves’ closing the deal would make this his largest TV commitment to date.According to Deadline, “The Devil in the White City tells the true story of two men, an architect and a serial killer, whose fates were forever linked by The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893.””It follows Daniel H. Burnham, a brilliant and fastidious architect racing to make his mark on the world, and Henry H. Holmes, a handsome and cunning doctor who fashioned his own pharmaceutical’ Murder Castle’ on fairgrounds—a palace built to seduce, torture and mutilate young women. The story takes the viewer on a tour of murder, romance, and mystery in the gilded age.”Reeves was cast as Daniel H. Burnham.
Keanu Reeves’ History On Television
Keanu Reeves is typically known for his feature films: John Wick, The Matrix, Point Break, etc. In the past, it seems like the star has avoided TV roles, though he has worked in TV before but doesn’t do it often.
According to TheThings writer Anthony Spencer, “Reeves got the majority of his television work during the 1980s and the 1990s.” The John Wick star lent his voice to the animated series Bill & Ted for nearly 20 years. He also made a cameo as himself on the Bollywood Heroes.
Spencer also stated, “For 13 episodes, Reeves did play Tex on Swedish Dicks, a comedy web television series. Outside of that, Reeves has once again elected to stay away from the small screen in favor of making features.”
Reeves starring in The Devil in the White City would be a big deal and move for his career. He hasn’t done something like this before, so fans would get to see the star in a whole new way.
Keanu Reeves Has Walked Out On Projects Before
After the success of Speed, Reeves was reportedly offered $12 million to do a sequel. But, he stated he couldn’t come to terms with the script, which angered many studio executives. “At the time, I just didn’t respond to the script,” Reeves stated.
“I really wanted to work with Sandra Bullock, and I really loved playing Jack Traven. It wasn’t against any of the artists that were involved in the project, but at that time—I’m sure we’ve all had this kind of feeling sometimes when things just don’t feel right, and that was how I was feeling. I loved ‘Speed,’ but… now it’s on an ocean liner?”
Reeves also left the project The Detail. Initially, Reeves said it was because of scheduling conflicts for the upcoming John Wick, but it was later revealed he had an issue with the casting.
Reeve’s lawyer released this statement, “We did not have a closed deal, and there were several material open deal points. Casting contingency was one of the open deal points, so every deal point was not agreed upon, and we did not have signed paperwork. We did not have a verbal agreement on this film.”
Why Isn’t Keanu Reeves Starring In The Series Alongside Leonardo DiCaprio
After the project being in various states for over a decade, the casting of Reeves seemed like it would finally get underway.
However, just two months after Hulu announced the casting of The Matrix actor, Reeves left the project.
Reps for Hulu and Reeves have yet to make a statement regarding the actor’s rapid exit. Though, it is believed the Disney-backed streamer has already begun its search to replace Reeves.
Some fans have been speculating that Reeves might have received an offer to star in the MCU. While promoting his comic book BRZRKR on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Reeves revealed his desire to star in a Marvel Film. He stated this was his childhood dream, and he has wanted to play Ghost Rider since he was ten years old. He said, “10-year-old Reeves would want to—I think he would want to be Ghost Rider.”
Nothing has been confirmed on Marvel’s side or Reeves, but fans are certainly hoping; if they can’t have Reeves star in The Devil in the White City, they most definitely want him to star in the MCU.
