The ridiculous conspiracy theory Keanu Reeves believes in: “I’ve always wanted to know”
It’s a dark day when you discover that a celebrity you like holds questionable personal beliefs and is secretly a tinfoil hat-wearing maniac who believes that lizards rule the planet. But luckily for Keanu Reeves fans, the most prominent conspiracy theory that he believes in is actually much less offensive, although it’s still rather ridiculous.
While you won’t hear Reeves spouting his belief in the fabrication of the Middle Ages or that Avril Lavigne was cloned, you will hear him offering up his two cents on the great William Shakespeare theory.
“I’ve always wanted to know since I was growing up who really wrote the plays of Shakespeare,” he once said to Buzzfeed.
For years, theories that the man we know as Shakespeare didn’t actually exist have become a popular source of discussion, although most scholars are of the belief that he was, in fact, a real person.
Nevertheless, the theory goes that ‘Shakespeare’ was a pseudonym, a secret identity used by several writers, or perhaps just one writer, who didn’t want their true identity to be revealed for whatever reason, whether that be down to their social standing or gender.
The main issue with the theory that Shakespeare couldn’t possibly be the author of such a vast collection of masterpieces is rooted in classism, though. That’s all there is to it. I’m sure Reeves isn’t actively trying to cause offence by buying into this theory, but when you look at the arguments against the playwright’s authorship, it becomes totally clear that people’s hesitancy to believe in the Bard relates most significantly to his class status.
The problematic side of the Shakespeare conspiracy
Despite the fact that Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon to a middle-class family, that hasn’t stopped many critics from citing his rather normal background, and Stratford’s supposed lack of cultural, artistic heritage, as evidence. Essentially, many anti-Stratfordians believe that Shakespeare was in no way educated enough to be as talented as he was, forgetting that you don’t have to be an ‘elite’ member of society to conjure up impressive works of art (or anything else for that matter).
Besides the class aspect of the argument, more understandable is the lack of verifiable evidence surrounding Shakespeare’s life. There are few detailed records to show his existence, and hardly any portraits. Therefore, many sceptical conspiracy theorists, which seemingly includes Reeves, see this as proof that Shakespeare was a mere fabrication.
Reeves is of the belief that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the man responsible for writing Shakespeare’s plays, having been known as an impressive playwright during his time in the Elizabethan court. But, of course, none of de Vere’s plays have survived.
The John Wick actor added, “I want to be there at that moment when ‘Shakespeare’ – because I don’t think it was William Shakespeare, I’m an Edward de Vere-ian, so the Earl of Oxford – so I’d like to be there [in the] 1600’s … ‘Shakespeare’ writing Hamlet.”
Reeves actually played Hamlet during the ‘90s, but he didn’t win everyone over. “The reviews were bad, understandably, but a few critics came back later in the run, and I was better,” he told the Virginian Pilot.
Perhaps he should’ve just stuck to theorising over Shakespeare’s true identity instead.
