Keanu Reeves made his big-screen debut with the 1986 sports drama Youngblood. It follows the story of an ice hockey player, Dean Youngblood, trying to make a name for himself. A few years after starring in his first feature film, Reeves had his breakthrough with the 1989 sci-fi comedy film Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. It was just the beginning for him, as he went on to star in several films and gave hit after hit. However, he could have got his breakthrough the same year as Youngblood if he had accepted the offer for the 1986 film Platoon.
Keanu Reeves in Youngblood (1986)
The actor was reportedly offered to star in Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning film Platoon. But as he was only starting his career on the big screen, the John Wick star probably didn’t want to take any risk and denied the offer.
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Keanu Reeves Rejected the Offer to Star in Platoon
The 1986 film, Platoon, follows Chris Taylor, a university student who volunteers to enlist in combat duty during the Vietnam War, where he faces the horrific reality of war and the duality of man. The lead role was portrayed by Charlie Sheen alongside a star cast, including actors like Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, and Johnny Depp.
Platoon (1986)
The director initially considered other actors for the lead role. He was planning to cast Kyle MacLachlan or Johnny Depp. While he was unsure about Johnny Depp, Stone was firm on casting Keanu Reeves before he rejected the offer.
Although was adamant about casting The Matrix star as Chris Taylor, he did understand his reasons for not accepting the offer at the time. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Oliver Stone was asked if he really considered Keanu Reeves for Platoon.
Keanu Reeves in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
He admitted that he did offer the role to the Constantine star, but he turned it down as it was too violent for him. “That’s right, Keanu turned it down because of the violence. He didn’t want to do violence,” Oliver Stone said. Although Reeves rejected the film, the director was able to find the “perfect” actor for his movie.
Oliver Stone Praised Charlie Sheen For His Work in Platoon
Not just Reeves and Stone also considered Kyle MacLachlan or Johnny Depp for the lead role. Although he had an idea that the Sleepy Hollow actor was going to be a superstar one day, he did not find him suitable enough as he was still “new to the acting game.”
Charlie Sheen in Platoon
After Reeves rejected the offer, the director cast Charlie Sheen as the lead. Talking about the Wall Street actor, he said, “Charlie was a dumb-struck 17-year-old the first time he came in for the film.” And the Oscar-winning director was more than happy with his performance.
He praised Sheen, saying that he was perfect for the film and did a great job with his character. “He conveys the horror of the place. I like his performance,” Stone said. He once again worked with Sheen in the 1987 film Wall Street.
However, the 1986 film became a miss for the Speed star, as Platoon is still considered one of the best War films of all time. It landed eight nominations at the Academy Awards and won 4 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Platoon is available to stream on HBO Max.
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Source: Collider
