At a special Beyond Fest screening, the duo and director Jan de Bont that made 'Speed' a classic reunite to celebrate its 30th anniversary and ponder the prospect of a third installment.
- October 10, 2024
AceShowbiz - On Tuesday night, October 8 in Hollywood, Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock and director Jan de Bont reunited for a screening of "Speed" as part of Beyond Fest, reflecting on its impact and the possibility of a third film.
"The geriatric version," Bullock joked, envisioning a slower-paced "Speed 3". "It won't be fast." Reeves chimed in, "Retirement."
De Bont acknowledged that a new "Speed" would "be a different movie," but he expressed enthusiasm for working with Reeves and Bullock again. Bullock questioned whether the industry would be willing to support such a project, especially considering the demanding nature of its production. "It would require a lot from everybody," she said.
The original "Speed", released in 1994, became a box office hit, earning over $350 million worldwide. It follows Jack Traven (Reeves), an LAPD officer who must prevent a city bus from exploding after it's rigged with a bomb. Bullock plays Annie Porter, a passenger who takes the wheel when the driver is killed.
During the Q&A, the trio praised each other's contributions to the film. De Bont remarked on the strong chemistry between Reeves and Bullock, who have remained close friends since working together. Bullock credited Reeves for ensuring her safety during the film's intense stunts, including the pivotal scene where she jumps from the bus in a precarious dress.
The success of "Speed" changed De Bont's career, bringing him more projects. However, he admitted that it also posed challenges, as making such intense films can be exhausting for the director and crew.
Reeves recalled the controversy surrounding his haircut for the film, which he initially wore long but later shaved off without informing the producers. De Bont initially objected but eventually realized that the shorter haircut enhanced Reeves' characterization.
Despite the absence of Reeves in the critically panned 1997 sequel "Speed 2: Cruise Control", Bullock and De Bont remained open to the idea of a "Speed 3". Bullock emphasized the need for a compelling story that would satisfy the audience. "I don't know what we could do that would be good enough for the audience," she said.
