Keanu Reeves’ “biggest inspiration” came from a classic British comedy: “A wonderful influence”
The list of people who count the legendary British comedy Monty Python as an influence runs the gamut from Christian Bale and Edgar Wright to Jethro Tull and Megadeth.
But despite this well-known, diverse legacy, there are still stars who cite the source, much to our surprise. One of these is surprisingly Keanu Reeves. Ever the enigma, the actor remains unknowable and unique enough that this influence isn’t totally beyond the realms of sense.
Still, it’s pretty unexpected given the star’s penchant for brooding action characters. This revelation came as part of a short but sweet appearance at the Southbank Literature Festival in 2024. Branching out once again, Reeves appeared to discuss his speculative fiction novel The Book of Elsewhere.
Co-written by critically acclaimed speculative fiction author China Miéville, the novel focuses on an immortal warrior on a quest for understanding, set in an alternate universe to Reeves’ BRZRKR comic book series. It follows B, a half-human, half-god warrior who, compelled by violence, has fought his way through the ages. Given the scope of Reeves’ fanbase, the first issue of the comic book series became the top-selling issue since the launch of the 2015 Star Wars works.
When asked about his biggest inspiration, Reeves initially drew a blank before offering his unusual choice of Monty Python: “It was such a wonderful influence and model of storytelling, which was so physical but also so intellectual and social.” What Monty Python has to do with immortal warriors is anybody’s guess, but clearly, it makes sense for Reeves.
For those not in the know, Monty Python was a British comedy troupe that started out with the legendary Monty Python’s Flying Circus sketch comedy show and went on to inspire a whole new wave of comedy. Frequently posited as ‘The Beatles of comedy‘, the Pythons’ influence on not only comedy TV but also British and international culture as a whole can’t possibly be overstated.
While Reeves is Canadian, his mother came from Essex, and, according to Reeves, she introduced him to the comedy sketch shows of the 1960s and ‘70s. Along with Monty Python, he recalled The Two Ronnies and Kenny Everett. While it’s hard to see the exact crossover between this inspiration and Reeves’s career, considering he’s never really dabbled in comedy, their influence can’t be overstated in general.
Plus, there’s something in the actor’s theatrical, deadpan delivery in his dark, contemplative roles that is slightly comical. He’s not an actor celebrated for his range, but his anachronistic style might not be entirely out of place in an absurdist, surreal sketch on Monty Python. Who knows, maybe his loyalty to one characterisation has been one long comedy sketch all these years.
Regardless, even this choice proves that the actor offers more questions than he answers, and it’d be best to turn to his acting, music, and writing skills to catch a glimpse of his life rather than posing questions to someone who transcends them entirely.
