October 10, 2024: The Egyptian Theatre buzzed with excitement on Tuesday night as iconic stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves reunited for a special 30th anniversary screening of the blockbuster film Speed. Joined by director Jan de Bont, the trio engaged in a lively discussion, sharing anecdotes and insights about the film that propelled them into stardom, marking a memorable moment in the Beyond Fest event.
The screening drew a full house, with all 516 seats occupied, leaving many fans outside hoping to get a glimpse of the nostalgia. This was the first time Bullock, Reeves, and de Bont shared a stage together to celebrate their groundbreaking work on the 1994 film, which has become a cultural touchstone.
The evening was particularly poignant for Bullock, who has kept a low profile following the success of The Lost City in 2022 and the recent passing of her partner, Bryan Randall. Her appearance was met with heartfelt applause from an audience that cherishes the film’s legacy.
During the event, director Jan de Bont praised Bullock and Reeves for their performances, stating, “When I saw the movie here tonight, I’ve never been so proud of those two actors.” He added, “The relationship that these two created together is absolutely amazing. It was really, really cool.”
The discussion explored behind-the-scenes moments, the undeniable chemistry between the leads, and the possibility of a Speed 3. Bullock humorously suggested a “geriatric version,” saying, “I don’t know if we’re in an industry anymore that’s willing to tolerate it and be brave enough to do it.” She also revealed that she was cast in the role because other actresses had turned it down, admitting, “I didn’t think I’d be getting the job, but the only reason I got this job was because I was fought for.”
Reeves shared his initial hesitation about accepting the role, explaining how de Bont’s vision convinced him to join the project. As they reminisced, Bullock credited Reeves for his support during a pivotal scene, stating, “Keanu’s job was to keep my integrity intact by keeping things that didn’t need to be seen on a 17-foot screen hidden.”
Reeves and de Bont fondly recalled the late Dennis Hopper, who portrayed the film’s antagonist. “He’s so charismatic and he’s so committed,” Reeves remarked, with de Bont adding, “And he’s also a little nuts, too.”
The event concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Speed‘s enduring impact and the challenges that come with its success. De Bont reflected on the pressure to follow up a hit, stating, “Once you make successful movies, it’s really hard to keep going.”
As fans continue to celebrate Speed‘s legacy, the question of a sequel lingers in the air, with Bullock’s final words ringing true: “What would that movie be that would make Jan’s brain and brilliance happy?”
