'Sad' Keanu Reeves Memes Aren't Accurate, SaysJohn WickDirector: He's an 'Incredibly Positive Guy' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Sad Keanu meme photo and Keanu Reeves onstage during CinemaCon 2022.Photo:Splash News; Frazer Harrison/Getty

hese photos of Keanu Reeves looking downcast on a park bench prompted more than 14,000 people to sign up for a Cheer Up Keanu campaign. The snaps of the actor eating his lunch in New York on May 22 had fans fearing he was depressed. More than 14,000 joined a Facebook group to advertise Cheer Up Keanu Day on June 15 to let Keanu know his movies are appreciated. Keanu Reeves speaks onstage during CinemaCon 2022 - Lionsgate Invites You to An Exclusive Presentation of its Upcoming Slate at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, on April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Splash News; Frazer Harrison/Getty

John Wickdirector Chad Stahelski is setting the record straight.

While speaking with PEOPLE in honor of the 10th anniversary of the firstJohn Wickmovie, in which Reeves plays the titular character, Stahelski recalls his experience working with the actor over the years.

“You see him inJohn Wickand he seems very stoic and very serious,” he says. “When the camera cuts, he is very professional. It is always, ‘Okay, how is that? What can we do to make it better?’ "

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Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves at the John Wick 4 premiere in 2023.Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty

Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves attend the “John Wick 4” Premiere at Le Grand Rex on March 10, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale -

Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty

But, once they “land on the take,” Stahelski says the actor’s entire mood shifts.

“The John Wick vibe goes in a second,” he explains. “When you nail something, he’s the first guy to smile, laugh and just really show joy. It is such a contradiction to John Wick, who’s very ‘grr,’ and then you see Keanu and his smile will light up the room.”

Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick’ 2014.David Lee/Thunder Road/Lionsgate/Mjw/Summit/Kobal/Shutterstock

Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick’ 2014

David Lee/Thunder Road/Lionsgate/Mjw/Summit/Kobal/Shutterstock

Stahelski, who also worked with Reeves as his stunt double in the 1999 movieThe Matrix, continues to say the actor has “a lot of love going on,” and he believes there are misconceptions about the movie star — particularly when it comes to the"Sad Keanu” memethat went viral in 2010.

“What are the memes out there? ‘Sad Keanu’ and lonely. … He’s actually a very happy, enthusiastic, incredibly positive guy,” the director says.

“Sad Keanu” photo taken in 2010.Splash News

These photos of Keanu Reeves looking downcast on a park bench prompted more than 14,000 people to sign up for a Cheer Up Keanu campaign. The snaps of the actor eating his lunch in New York on May 22 had fans fearing he was depressed. More than 14,000 joined a Facebook group to advertise Cheer Up Keanu Day on June 15 to let Keanu know his movies are appreciated. Reeves\'s rep issued a statement saying: “Keanu Reeves would like to thank all of his fans for their concerns regarding his happiness and wants to assure everyone that all is well.” Photos taken May 2010.

Splash News

TheJohn Wickstar revealedthe real story behind the memeonThe Late Showafter hostStephen Colbertshowed the popular image to the audience.

“I’m just eating a sandwich, man!” Reeves said to Colbert, who then asked him, “So you’re not actually sad in ‘Sad Keanu’?”

“I was thinking,” he replied. “I had some stuff going on. I was hungry.”

Stahelski also mentions that their popular media franchise could not exist without Reeves' contributions. “Could you have doneJohn Wickwithout Keanu? No, not the way you see it,” he says.

“The stoicism that John Wick shows is really a big part of who Keanu is. You gotta see Keanu on set. I know everyone hears the stories, but he is always there early. He is always the first one there [and] the last one to leave.”

To date, theJohn Wickfranchisehas a total of four action-packed movies, as well as the spin-off prequel seriesThe Continental, plus several video game adaptations and comic books. Stahelski and Reeves are also producing the spin-off movie calledBallerina.

Lionsgate is hosting special anniversary screenings of the 2014 movie with Fathom Events on Nov. 3 and 6. Those wanting to catchJohn Wickon the big screen cancheck their local theaters for showtimes.

source: people.com

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