Alan Ritchson disclosed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly on Monday that he was cast as Aimes, the new chief of The Agency, after the John Wick actor withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.
“It was a little bit of luck and good timing,” he said regarding his selection. “I was filming a movie in Winnipeg with Hilary Swank when I received a phone call informing me that Keanu Reeves, who I believe was originally slated to perform my role, had been replaced. Difficult act to emulate.”
Reeves has previously considered starring in a Fast and Furious film. The director of Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, David Leitch, verified in 2019 that Reeves had been in talks for a minor role, but nothing came of it.
Elsewhere, the Smallville actor disclosed that he nearly had to withdraw from Fast X after a snowstorm halted production on Ordinary Angels.
Keanu Reeves was originally cast as the antagonist of Aimes in Fast X.
“It was disappointing. “I thought it was over before it began, but fortunately we were able to work something out and they were able to push the dates back a bit,” he said.
However, Ritchson believed he had lost the role again when Fast X’s original director Justin Lin was replaced by Louis Leterrier a week after production began.
Ritchson added, recalling a conversation with producer Jeff Kirschenbaum, “I was like, ‘Okay… am I still in the movie?'” He responded, “Of course.” We’re thrilled to work with you, but Justin and I have decided to part ways.’ Okay, you can just say that the following time! I’m therefore very thankful that it worked out.”
Fast X is now in theaters.
