Although he's regarded as the nicest guy in Hollywood, Keanu Reeves' life has been anything but positive at times. The actor had a troubled relationship with his dad and until this very day, the two are not on speaking terms. Nonetheless, despite the troubled upbringing, Keanu created quite the career for himself. We'll take a look at the behind the scenes side of it, like what the actor does to stay in shape, and why he eats a steak prior to fight sequences.
Keanu Reeves Admitted That He Uses A Double Depending On What The Sequence Entails
Keanu Reeves loves action sequences, however, when it comes to certain scenes like getting hit by something - the iconic actor doesn't hesitate to use a double.
He revealed this strategy in films like John Wick, "There’s an incredible stuntman who doubles John Wick,” he says. “They hit him with a car. He’s standing there, and they hit him—that’s a stunt. Me? I’ll shoot some guns, flip some people—and that’s action. So, yeah, I do as much action as I possibly can, because I love it—and I love the opportunity to bring the audience along."
Keanu revealed alongside Men's Journal that this aspect of his work can be frustrating since he wants to do everything possible himself.
“I hate that, it’s always a drag,” he says. “I want to be able to do everything. Since The Matrix, I’ve used this term, ‘superperfect.’ As in, ‘Can we get it superperfect?’” On a huge-budget studio movie that can afford infinite takes, that means doing it until it’s right."
However, Reeves did state that on a film like John Wick, there was really no room for error given that they had a much shorter timeline - under those circumstances, getting help isn't the worst thing.
Keanu Reeves Started A Fitness Routine During His Time On Point Break
In order to work those particular stunts while looking the part, Keanu Reeves needs to get himself in shape. According to the actor, this was facilitated during his time on Point Break when he met his long-time trainer, Denise Snyder.
Working with the trainer changed a lot of things for Keanu, however, the goal was never to get jacked.
“He can get huge,” says Snyder. “That worked for Speed. But usually I don’t think for him massiveness works. On John Wick, it’s about his presence, and it can’t come from size. It’s got to come from structure. It’s really about pulling his shoulders back.”
Keanu stated that one of his personal goals was to grow out his back, once again for purposes on the big-screen, “I wanted to have that back,” he says, “to look like if I grabbed you, you were in my world now.”
Not only did Keanu work on certain aspects of his body prior to a film but in addition, he had quite the routine prior to shooting a violent sequence, which all began during his time in the Matrix franchise.
Keanu Reeves Made It A Habit To Enjoy A Steak Prior To A Big Fight Sequence
These days Keanu Reeves hasn't slowed down his training. However, the actor did reveal that going up and down the stairs is a little different compared to his 20s. Nonetheless, he'll still give it his all during takes.
As for his eating habits, they've stayed the same, and that oddly includes enjoying a steak the night prior before a fight sequence.
“Low sodium, low fat, and the night before a big fight sequence, I still eat a steak. It started on The Matrix. I was like, ‘Gotta go eat a steak." Carrie-Anne Moss stated this habit is "totally psychological.” In terms of steak cuts, the actor does have a preference and that's the New York cut, given that it features a little more fat.
On a low fat diet like Keanu follows, such a surge in fat really aids in giving the dieter a burst of energy along with mental clarity. This is likely why the actor uses this meal to his advantage. Or, just that he's awesome and loves steak...