For a time, when thinking of Keanu Reeves, it would be tough for a regular cinemagoer not to proceed to provide you with a facial reconstruction that resembled a perplexed bunny rabbit. Rarely moving the needle on his artistic authority, Reeves’ position as a sometimes goofy action hero allowed most audiences to crystallise an image of the actor as a one-note master. As time passed and both Reeves’ noted charming personality and general kindness came to the fore, that image changed.

Personal affectations aside, however, it is worth reminding those in the audience that Reeves has starred in multiple iconic productions and worked with the finest filmmakers. From master auteurs such as Francis Ford Coppola, Gus Van Sant, and Richard Linklater to modern directorial talents like Nicolas Winding Refn, Reeves has enjoyed a diverse career that has allowed him to explore various artistic spheres.

By starring in high-profile projects such as the John Wick series as well as the highly-anticipated but lowly-received disaster of the video game Cyberpunk 2077, Reeves has made incredibly successful additions to his extensive oeuvre. These wildly popular ventures have managed to solidify Reeves’ status as one of the most beloved and widely celebrated actors of our time.

Recently, Reeves made the headlines again when he returned to the Matrix franchise to reprise the most iconic role of his character after a very long hiatus. When it was first announced that Reeves would star as Neo again, fans were delighted because they never believed that the Wachowski sisters were working on a sequel.

Unfortunately, Lana Wachowski’s solo effort was a lacklustre affair which failed to contribute to the legacy of the Matrix series in any positive way. It is sad that Reeves’ return came in an uninspired sequel because it has ensured that no plans for a follow-up to the Matrix Resurrections will be discussed by the production teams anytime soon.

Since his rendition of Neo popularised his presence in the mainstream consciousness, many fans expect that Reeves’ favourite role will be the first time he stars in the original Matrix film, which became his breakthrough. However, Reeves has surprised everyone by claiming that his favourite role actually came in the 2005 horror flick Constantine.

Reeves featured as the titular character, a cynical man who has the uncanny ability to talk to creatures who are semi-angelic and semi-demonic. “I’ve always wanted to play John Constantine again,” the actor said in an interview. “I just love that world, too, and I love that character. I just had a blast playing a character and [playing] in that world.”

Any actor wanting to reprise a role is to act as a mark of commendation for that role. However, most actors, whenever they pick up the mantle of a previous character, are pushed on by the big fat paycheque that usually accompanies it. So, for Reeves to pick out Constantine as the one portrayal he would like to give another go speaks highly of his admiration.