Keanu Reeves revealed that he jumped off a 46-story building for a stunt in his upcoming movie The Matrix Resurrections. The long-awaited fourth installment of the hit Matrix franchise sees Reeves return as protagonist Neo alongside his co-star Carrie-Anne Moss. While the original Matrix trilogy was co–created, written, and directed by Lana and Lily Wachowski, the latter isn't involved in the latest blockbuster.
The Matrix premiered in 1999, introducing audiences to the complex computer-driven and, at times, slow motion dystopia of the future. Following the movie's success, two sequels by the Wachowski's were released in 2003: The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. As viewers will recall, the final film ended in the death of both Neo and Trinity, leaving many to wonder how exactly Neo and Trinity return. While little is known about the action movie's plot, it's a surefire bet that Neo and the gang will be completing a smattering of impressive stunts.
While promoting the film on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Reeves touched on one of his more death-defying stunts. It turns out that the performer jumped off a 46-story building for a scene. When Colbert asked what the craziest thing Reeves got to do on the production was, the actor smiled and said:
"Jump off a building... I'm gonna guess around 46 stories. It's The Matrix and you need natural light and you want to do it real. I mean there's wires. So, Carrie and I grab hands and we leapt off a building. We did it around 19, 20 times."
Reeves made it clear that doing stunts excites him. He even said that once he was up there he felt the strange allure of wanting to jump. Of course, that doesn't mean he and Moss weren't nervous to do it. Reeves said that they had to prepare mentally and not ignore the fear, but try to absorb it.
Colbert brought up the fact that this time around - 18 years later - the stunts must be a little bit more challenging since everyone's older. To Reeves' dismay, the point was true. He said that he begrudgingly has to give his body more time to recover after partaking in physically draining activities. He added while he can't necessarily do what he used to, he still has the experience to keep things sharp.
While minimal plot points have been revealed for The Matrix Resurrections, the promos have promised that moviegoers can expect tons of spectacle. Stunts are not only a major draw to the franchise, but always a big part of the story. In the end, viewers will have to wait and see how much the stunts, special effects and, of course, story dazzles them. If it's enough, perhaps a fifth Matrix will emerge.
Source: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
