Keanu Reeves Recalls 'Bill & Ted' Audition: 'Reminded me of a Roman Orgy

Keanu Reeves, known for his roles in films like "John Wick" and "The Matrix," recently delved into memories from the inception of his career, specifically, his transformative journey with the cult classic film series "Bill & Ted." The beloved actor provided a fresh and unique perspective on the films that catapulted him to global recognition and shaped his acting trajectory.

Taking us back to the late '80s, Reeves shared stories from his early days as a young actor. He recalled his audition for the role of Ted "Theodore" Logan in the first "Bill & Ted" movie, a process he humorously likened to a Roman orgy due to its chaotic nature and extensive duration. "The whole experience had a strange charm. It was like an intense gathering, almost reminiscent of Rome," Reeves said, with his characteristic dry wit.

What came from this unique audition was the brilliant pairing of Reeves and co-star Alex Winter, who would go on to define the roles of Ted and Bill, respectively. According to Reeves, their shared vision for the characters, away from the clichéd and stoned personas of that era's youth representation, became the cornerstone of their iconic performances.

Rather than adopting the stereotypical '80s surfer-dude persona, Reeves and Winter chose to embody Bill and Ted as "wonderfully naive and untarnished" youngsters. Their fresh interpretation subverted mainstream expectations, making these characters some of the most cherished figures in cinema history.

Reeves went on to explain how their theatrical backgrounds influenced their initial portrayal of the characters, drawing on elements of 'commedia dell'arte.' This approach, however, was later modified to suit the film's overall tone, though they still managed to retain the essence of their characters' innocent exuberance.

Surprisingly, despite his natural flair for acting, Reeves confessed to having doubts about his abilities early on. He acknowledged that he found acting a "daunting endeavor" at that time, a testament to his humility that has endeared him to audiences worldwide.

In the current time, where the "Bill & Ted" series is revered as a cult classic, Reeves' unique insights provide an in-depth look into the formation of this renowned franchise. From his perspective on the auditions, character interpretations, to his personal growth as an actor, Keanu Reeves' journey with "Bill & Ted" underlines his talent, dedication, and the charming innocence that is a trademark of his successful career.