News culture “With a broken kneecap” Keanu Reeves gave everything to play in this sci-fi series: the pop messiah is a warrior!
Published on 01/09/2025 at 08:26
Share :
Keanu Reeves, in addition to being regularly cited as one of the nicest actors in Hollywood, is a passionate person who does not shy away from the task. This was confirmed by the producers of Secret Level.
Hidden levels and giant mechas
When it was broadcast on December 10, Secret Level experienced mixed returns, the anthology series having been criticized in particular for very uneven episodes some of which have been described as more of an advertising spot than anything else. However, the show directed by Tim Miller’s Blur Studio seems to have met with certain success since Amazon has already renewed it for a second season. For those who haven’t followed, Secret Level is an anthology in which each chapter takes place in a different universe. Mega Man, Pac Man, Dungeons & Dragon, Warhammer 40k and even Concord thus all had their dedicated episode.
If their episodes were more or less well received by the public, the one dedicated to Armored Core made a strong impression. Already before its release, the latter had been put at the center of attention by the then unofficial presence of Keanu Reeves in the cast. Indeed, the actor’s face was visible during short images of the very first trailer for Secret Level. If his presence has long been rumored, the production confirmed his presence during a trailer released closer to the release of the series.
Pain is a construct of the mind
Fortunately, the eighth chapter of Secret Levelthe one dedicated to Armored Core and in which Keanu Reeves plays the main role, was rather well received by the public. In an episode that remains one of the best-executed in this first season, the actor plays a neurotic mecha pilot who finds himself facing other surprisingly talented pilots. Recently, during an interview for the media ColliderTim Miller and Dave Wilson were able to return to Keanu Reeves’ involvement in this production.
The two producers notably reveal that when filming the motion capture necessary for the production of the episode, Keanu Reeves suffered from a recent fractured kneecap. Far from canceling his participation in the series, the actor on the contrary confirmed his desire to participate, the creators then decided to integrate his injury into his character, who also ended up with a limp and a splint. Despite the pain, Reeves would have shot the entire episode in one day, thereby participating in one of the best chapters of Secret Level. According to the producers themselves, Keanu Reeves’ reputation is justified, the two rejoicing in their experience alongside the John Wick interpreter.
