Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves has expressed his support for cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the metaverse.
WIRED Interview with Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski: John Wick, Matrix, and the Importance of Physicality
WIRED interviewed Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski, the actor and director of the John Wick franchise, about their work together and their love of science fiction.
(Image credit: Wired)
Photograph: ART STREIBER
Stahelski spoke about his experience playing a role in the upcoming Matrix Resurrections film, while Reeves discussed his own experiences working with the Wachowski siblings and their influence on the John Wick franchise. They talked about their commitment to minimal special effects and the importance of physicality in their action sequences. Reeves also discussed his early effort to ensure that his performances could not be digitally manipulated without his consent and expressed concern about the rise of deepfakes.
Keanu Reeves
Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves has expressed his support for cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the metaverse. In a recent interview with Wired, Reeves praised the principles and ideas behind independent currencies, describing them as “amazing tools for exchanges and the distribution of resources.”
Reeves acknowledged the current struggles of cryptocurrency but expressed his belief that it would come out stronger as a result. “To pooh-pooh crypto or the volatility of cryptocurrency, it’s only going to make it better in terms of how it’s safeguarded,” he said.
Although Reeves has maintained a certain distance from the crypto community, he once admitted to having a small amount of crypto that he received from a friend, which he has been holding onto ever since. The actor has also jokingly suggested that the original idea for crypto was pulled from his movie, John Wick.
Keanu Reeves Take on the Metaverse and NFTs
When asked about the metaverse in the Wired interview, Reeves was more skeptical, describing it as “a system of control and manipulation.” However, he did acknowledge that it presented an opportunity for wealth creation for tech giants like Meta, who are investing heavily in the space.
Reeves’ Matrix movies were cyberpunk classics that foreshadowed many current and emerging tech concepts, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse. It is not surprising that the actor’s opinions on crypto and NFTs have long piqued the interest of web3 enthusiasts.
In recent years, Reeves, who started as a crypto skeptic, has shown a great interest in digital art technologies like AI and NFTs. In June 2022, he joined the advisory board of the nonprofit organization, The Futureverse Foundation, which supports digital artists trying to break into the NFT world.
According to the actor’s partner and fellow Futureverse Foundation adviser, Alexandra Grant, the charity is meant to make the metaverse accessible to more people, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Several NFT projects, including Non-Fungible Laboratories and Fluf World, support Futureverse.
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Keanu Reeves and Web3
Keanu Reeves’ support for cryptocurrency and NFTs is a significant endorsement for the emerging web3 space. As a Hollywood star who has been at the forefront of technological advancements in the movie industry, his opinions carry weight and can influence public perception.
Reeves’ involvement with The Futureverse Foundation shows his commitment to supporting digital artists and promoting the metaverse. With more high-profile figures like him backing web3, the future of this emerging technology looks bright.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
What does Keanu Reeves think of cryptocurrency and NFTs?
Keanu Reeves expressed his support for cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in a recent interview with Wired, describing them as "amazing tools for exchanges and the distribution of resources".
Does Keanu Reeves own any cryptocurrency?
Reeves admitted to having a small amount of crypto that he received from a friend, which he has been holding onto ever since.
What is Keanu Reeves' opinion on the metaverse?
Reeves was more skeptical about the metaverse, describing it as "a system of control and manipulation." However, he did acknowledge that it presented an opportunity for wealth creation for tech giants like Meta.
What is The Futureverse Foundation?
The Futureverse Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports digital artists trying to break into the NFT world, with a goal of making the metaverse accessible to more people, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Keanu Reeves joined the advisory board of the organization in June 2022.
Why is Keanu Reeves' support for web3 significant?
As a Hollywood star who has been at the forefront of technological advancements in the movie industry, Reeves' opinions carry weight and can influence public perception. His involvement with The Futureverse Foundation shows his commitment to supporting digital artists and promoting the metaverse, which can encourage more high-profile figures to back web3 and promote its growth.
What is Keanu Reeves' opinion on cryptocurrency and its volatility?
Keanu Reeves acknowledges the current struggles of cryptocurrency but expresses his belief that it will come out stronger as a result. He describes cryptocurrency as "amazing tools for exchanges and the distribution of resources".
Has Keanu Reeves invested in cryptocurrency?
Although Reeves has maintained a certain distance from the crypto community, he once admitted to having a small amount of crypto that he received from a friend, which he has been holding onto ever since.
What is Keanu Reeves' opinion on the metaverse?
When asked about the metaverse in the Wired interview, Reeves was more skeptical, describing it as "a system of control and manipulation." However, he did acknowledge that it presented an opportunity for wealth creation for tech giants like Meta, who are investing heavily in the space.
What is The Futureverse Foundation, and what is its mission?
The Futureverse Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports digital artists trying to break into the NFT world. Its mission is to make the metaverse accessible to more people, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Why is Keanu Reeves' support for web3 significant?
Keanu Reeves' support for cryptocurrency and NFTs is a significant endorsement for the emerging web3 space. As a Hollywood star who has been at the forefront of technological advancements in the movie industry, his opinions carry weight and can influence public perception.
Who is Chad Stahelski and what was his experience playing “Chad” in The Matrix Resurrections?
Chad Stahelski is a filmmaker and stunt coordinator, and he played a character named "Chad" in The Matrix Resurrections. He found the experience to be difficult and tragic, despite Lana Wachowski's belief that he was perfect for the role.
How do the John Wick movies relate to The Matrix franchise?
The John Wick movies were directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, who got a decade of experience working with the Wachowski siblings on movies like V for Vendetta and Speed Racer. According to Stahelski, the John Wick movies are "definitely children of The Matrix."
What did Keanu Reeves learn from working with the Wachowskis?
Keanu Reeves learned from the Wachowskis how to pay attention to detail, build a world, and use ideas as nourishment in entertainment. He also noted that John Wick 4 includes ideas about freedom, choice, rules, and consequences.
What is unique about the action scenes in the John Wick movies?
The action scenes in the John Wick movies involve a lot of choreography and minimal special effects. The filmmakers value the "blood, sweat, and tears of real people," and sometimes incorporate accidental or incidental moments into the final product.
What does Keanu Reeves think about deepfakes?
Keanu Reeves finds deepfakes to be scary because they take away an actor's agency and point of view. He believes that it will be interesting to see how humans deal with these technologies and their cultural impact.
The Matrix Resurrections is being released during a time of pandemic. What do you think this means for the movie-going experience?
Stahelski: I hope people get a chance to see it in the theater, because that’s how it was meant to be seen.
Reeves: Yeah, if people can go to the theater safely, it’s a really great way to watch movies.
What’s it like to revisit a character you played over 20 years ago?
Reeves: There was a nostalgia to it, and also an excitement to see what was going to happen. It’s an honor to be able to go back and play a character again.
Stahelski: And it’s not just nostalgia. It’s almost like a reset. It’s a new version of the character, but you still have that emotional connection to the original.
The Matrix movies were groundbreaking in terms of their special effects. Do you think the new movie will push the boundaries in the same way?
Reeves: I think there’s going to be some amazing things in there, but I also think that the heart and soul of The Matrix is going to come through.
Stahelski: The technology has come so far, but at the end of the day, it’s still about the characters and the story.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers and actors?
Stahelski: Watch as many movies as you can. Learn as much as you can about every aspect of filmmaking.
Reeves: And don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness to admit you don’t know something.
John Wick is known for its amazing action scenes. Are there any other movies that you think have great action?
Reeves: I’m a big fan of the original Die Hard. And The Raid is amazing.
Stahelski: The Bourne Identity is another one that really pushed the genre forward. And I love the fight scenes in the original Enter the Dragon.
