Keanu Reeves Almost Starred In Tropic Thunder

 

Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder

Keanu Reeves is known for his intense roles in action and psychological thriller films, as well as his love for science fiction and horror genres. While he has also done comedic roles, they are not as renowned as his other movies, such as John Wick and The Matrix. However, Reeves almost landed a lead role in Ben Stiller's satirical action-comedy, Tropic Thunder, as Tugg Speedman, a shockingly oblivious yet awfully self-confident action film star. Stiller had also planned to portray the ingratiating character of Rick Pew. But due to changes in the script that spanned over a decade, Stiller ended up taking over Speedman's role himself, and Matthew McConaughey played Stiller's part. The film faced controversy, particularly due to Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of an Australian actor named Kirk Lazarus, who painted his skin brown to appear as a black individual, and the portrayal of an intellectually disabled character with the usage of a slur. Despite the criticism, Stiller remains unapologetic, claiming that the movie was meant to be viewed as a work of satire.