Keanu Reeves Revealed Why He Turned Down "Speed 2: Cruise Control" And, Honestly, I Get It

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Speed is a classic movie. In fact, it's one of the best action films of the 1990s — period.

Keanu Reeves looks out the window of the bus while Sandra Bullock drives the bus
Mgm / courtesy Everett Collection

Speed 2: Cruise Control? Uh, not so much.

Bullock and Jason Isaacs wear life vests in the ocean
20th Century Fox / courtesy Everett Collection

One of many reasons why the sequel to Speed is considered vastly inferior is because Keanu Reeves — who co-starred in the first film with Sandra Bullock — didn't return. And now Keanu has revealed why he opted out.

Keanu Reeves waves his hand on the red carpet

Jason Isaacs replaced Reeves in Speed 2.

Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

“At the time I didn’t respond to the script,” he said on a recent appearance on Graham Norton.

He admitted that even though he wanted to work with Sandra again, there were some problems with the concept that kept him away. "I loved playing Jack Tavern and I loved Speed – but an ocean liner?” he said.

Reeves runs away from an explosion
20th Century Fox / courtesy Everett Collection

“I had nothing against the artists involved, but at that time I had the feeling it just wasn’t right.”

Keanu uses a cell phone on the bus
20th Century Fox / courtesy Everett Collection

As previously mentioned, Reeves and Bullock loved working together on the first Speed, and they stayed friends afterwards too. Sandra recently shared a story about how Keanu surprised her with champagne and truffles after Speed was released.

Bullock lays on top of Reeves
20th Century Fox / Courtesy Everett Collection

"I just thought you might want to try champagne and truffles, to see what it’s like," she recalled while talking about their friendship.

Reeves embraces Bullock near a lake
Warner Bros / courtesy Everett Collection

Watch Keanu's interview here.