Yahoo Movies Fast X star says he took over role meant for Keanu Reeves
Fast X spoilers follow.
Fast X's Alan Ritchson has said that Keanu Reeves was originally in line to play his character, The Agency boss Aimes, in the movie.
Ritchson told Entertainment Weekly that the John Wick icon was initially tipped to play the blockbuster's Big Bad. Aimes tries to betray Dom Toretto by collaborating with vengeful Dante Reyes, who blames Dom for his father's death.
"It was just a little stroke of luck and good timing," said Ritchson.
Related: Henry Cavill reveals first look at new movie with Reacher's Alan Ritchson
"I was working on [Ordinary Angels] with Hilary Swank up in Winnipeg in the freezing cold, and I got a call that things had shifted in the plans with Keanu Reeves, which is I think who was originally intended to play my part. Tough act to follow."
Disaster nearly struck, though, when Ritchson and the Fast X production encountered many "timing issues".
"Basically the deal was if there's no problems, we don't shut down for COVID or weather, this should work, and about two weeks later, we got news that we were going to get hit with the biggest blizzard in Winnipeg's history," he recalled.
"All production shut down. It was disheartening. I thought it was over before it began, but luckily we worked it out and they were able to push the dates a little more."
Related: Reacher's Alan Ritchson shares exciting season 2 update in new video
But that wasn't the only heart-stopping incident for Ritchson during his Fast X journey.
"I got another call while I was filming from Jeff Kirschenbaum, who produces Fast, and he sounded real low. I was like, 'Oh, God. Whatever you've got to say, just say it. I can take it. I'm a big boy,'" the star shared.
"He goes, 'You're not going to be working with [director] Justin [Lin] on this.' I was like, 'Okay... am I still in the movie?' He was like, 'Yeah, of course. We're excited to work with you, but we've decided to go our separate ways with Justin.'
"I was like, 'Okay, you can just say that next time!'"
Reeves was previously linked with the Fast & Furious universe when it was reported that he'd been considered for a part in spin-off Hobbs & Shaw.
Director David Leitch admitted that the two did have conversations, but both agreed that it wouldn't have felt right to "force" a part simply for the sake of having him appear in the film.
Fast X is out now in cinemas.
You Might Also Like
