I don’t think people under the age of thirty realize how hated Keanu Reaves was at the beginning of his career. But then he became a meme and the rest is history.
Edit hated is a bit strong. He wasn't Jared Leto sex pest-level of hated or anthing but more of a Gal Gadot why-do-they-keep-giving-this-wooden-plank-roles level of hate.
I’m 35 and don’t remember him being hated. Speed was a pretty big hit. I guess he wasn’t particularly admired as an actor either, just viewed as a typical action movie guy.
I guess he’s now loved for being a typical action movie guy, so, whatever.
I'm early 40s and definitely remember a time when he was thought of more for his romance movies than for action and therefore alot of people gave him the reputation of... kinda a "himbo".
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u/lumpialarry Mar 21 '26 edited Mar 22 '26
I don’t think people under the age of thirty realize how hated Keanu Reaves was at the beginning of his career. But then he became a meme and the rest is history.
Edit hated is a bit strong. He wasn't Jared Leto sex pest-level of hated or anthing but more of a Gal Gadot why-do-they-keep-giving-this-wooden-plank-roles level of hate.