Star Wars: The Acolyte featured a star-studded cast, led by The Matrix star Carrie-Anne Moss, the Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae, Amandla Stenberg, and Manny Jacinto. Although Moss' character, Jedi Master Indara, died in the premiere episode, Jung-jae showcased his incredible acting ability as he portrayed Jedi Master Sol throughout the eight episodes. However, as it turned out, Star Wars initially eyed another famed Hollywood actor for the role of Sol: Keanu Reeves.
About a week after The Acolyte cancellation, The InSneider claimed that Star Wars had considered Keanu Reeves to lead The Acolyte alongside his The Matrix co-star Moss. Insider Jeffrey Sneider revealed in his newsletter that the Canadian actor was Lucasfilm’s first choice instead of Lee. Though Reeves didn’t end up doing the series, he was said to be in talks for the said role.
“While I'm told that contrary to that report, Reeves never filmed a scene for The Acolyte, he had been in talks for the role ultimately played by Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae, whose character was killed off at the end of Season 1,” Sneider explained.
The film critic furthered that Lionsgate didn’t allow Reeves to adjust his filming schedule for the upcoming John Wick spin-off movie Ballerina, which he will star in opposite Ana de Armas. While studio insiders claimed that the role wasn’t formally offered to Reeves, Sneider added that the actor was “very interested in doing” it.
“While studio insiders have countered that Reeves was never formally offered the role, I'm told he was very interested in doing the show, which wound up casting his Matrix co-star Carrie-Anne Moss — another selling point for him,” Sneider continued.
However, though Reeves didn’t get the chance to do The Acolyte, Sneider alleged that Lucasfilm was very interested in having the Constantine star as part of the franchise. Hence, he may wind up doing a Star Wars movie or series one way or another in the future.
“In fact, don't be surprised if Reeves finds his way into the Star Wars franchise down the line, as Lucasfilm remains high on the actor, whose interest has been noted internally,” Sneider maintained.
Leslye Headland Had Lee Jung-jae In Mind to Play Sol in Star Wars: The Acolyte
Sneider’s claim contradicts showrunner Leslye Headland’s earlier revelation that she had Lee in mind to play Sol in The Acolyte. While having a hard time thinking of who to cast for Sol, she thought of the global hit Netflix K-drama Squid Game and was suddenly hit by the idea that Lee could portray the character of Sol on “different levels.”
“I thought [about] Squid Game and I was like, 'that’s the guy, that’s him,” she told IGN. “I don’t know how I get in touch with this person; I don’t know if they want to perform in English.' To me, it became so clearly [Lee]'s part, as opposed to [casting him for] the fact he’s a Korean movie star.”
The series creator also heaped praise on Lee, describing him as the “best actor” she had worked with. As the actor was known for his prolific career in South Korea, she was in awe to watch him perform in English, track the emotional beats, and do a lot of his stunts on his own despite having a stunt team.
“He did so much of his own action, which I had no idea he could do,” she continued.
Although Reeves didn’t get to be part of The Acolyte, Star Wars has several upcoming projects in which he could be part. Since he has long been a popular fan cast for Darth Revan, this might finally happen if he joins the franchise.
