Reeves’ reference to “differing views” is widely interpreted as a critique of De Niro’s political activism. De Niro, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, has been known for his fiery speeches and public denunciations of the political right. While Reeves has generally remained apolitical in his public life, preferring to focus on his craft and philanthropy, the stark contrast in their public personas seems to have played a significant role in his decision.
Hollywood’s reaction to Reeves’ decision has been mixed. Some industry veterans praised Reeves for standing by his principles, while others expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity to see two acting powerhouses share the screen.
Renowned director Christopher Nolan commented, “Keanu’s integrity is commendable. It’s rare to see someone in this industry turn down such a lucrative deal for the sake of personal beliefs. However, as a filmmaker, it’s unfortunate that we won’t get to witness what could have been a historic collaboration.”
