He may be one of Hollywood’s most instantly recognizable stars, but Keanu Reeves appeared quite unassuming as he lingered outside a Brooklyn studio on Thursday afternoon.
The esteemed 53-year-old actor sported a markedly different look with long shoulder-length hair and a rugged beard as he engaged in early preparations for the third installment of his immensely popular John Wick franchise.
Donning a baseball cap to shield himself, Keanu took a break to smoke on a street corner after intense training sessions with his stunt team for the physically demanding role. Seated barefoot, the actor, renowned for his roles in the Bill and Ted and Matrix film series, appeared noticeably different while enjoying his cigarette.
Accompanied by a mix of stunt and production assistants, Keanu relaxed as they unloaded crɑsh mats and a motorcycle from a nearby van.
Set to reprise his role as former hitman Wick in the upcoming film’s release in 2019, fans will also get an early glimpse of the character in action in The Continental, a TV spin-off set to air on US network Starz. Starz programming head Carmi Zlotnik confirmed Wick’s presence in the series during the TCA winter press tour.
Additionally, Keanu will serve as an executive producer for The Continental, which revolves around the Continental Hotel, a sanctuary for Los Angeles’ criminal underworld within the John Wick universe.
With both the first two John Wick films earning critical acclaim and a combined $260 million worldwide, Keanu’s involvement in the franchise has extended to a virtual reality mobile game.
Furthermore, Reeves is set to reprise his role as the deceased stuntman Tex Johnson in the second season of Swedish Dicks, scheduled to premiere later this year on Lionsgate TV.
In addition to his television ventures, Keanu will feature in the upcoming science-fiction drɑma Replicas and the crime thriller Siberia, both slated for release in 2018.