It’s been three decades since the heart-pounding thrill ride that was Speed captivated audiences worldwide. But the electric chemistry between its two leading stars, Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, has never dimmed.
On Tuesday night, the iconic duo reunited on stage at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles for a special 30th-anniversary screening of the action classic, delighting fans who have been clamoring for a Speed reunion for years.
Joined by director Jan de Bont, Bullock and Reeves regaled the audience with stories from the film’s chaotic production, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of one of the most beloved blockbusters of the 1990s.
“We knew we were doing something wacky,” Reeves said of his turn as SWAT officer Jack Traven, who finds himself on a deadly race against time to stop a bus rigged with explosives from detonating.
Bullock, who portrayed the unfortunate passenger Annie Porter, who is thrust into the driver’s seat, echoed Reeves’ sentiment, admitting that as a “newbie” to the industry, she was trying to stay alive during the film’s many death-defying stunts.
“I was behind the wheel of a projectile, so I was just happy to be alive at the end of the day,” she quipped.
However, director de Bont said the two actors were essential to the film’s success. They seamlessly navigated the high-octane action sequences with a palpable on-screen chemistry that captivated audiences.
“I have never been so proud of those two actors. What they did for me was quite often unnatural to them,” de Bont gushed. “What they had to do is just unbelievable. But the relationship that those two created together is amazing.”
Indeed, Bullock and Reeves’ undeniable rapport has fueled persistent rumors of a Speed 3 over the years, with the duo often hinting at their desire to reunite on the big screen. And while Reeves has previously expressed reservations about revisiting the franchise, Bullock seemed optimistic that the stars could align for one more adrenaline-fueled adventure.
“The senior version. It won’t be fast,” Bullock joked before turning to de Bont and posing the question on everyone’s mind: “What would that movie be that would make Jan’s brain and brilliance happy? It would require a lot from everybody. I don’t know if we’re in an industry willing to tolerate and be brave enough to do it anymore.”
Reeves, for his part, appeared more enthusiastic about the prospect, telling the audience, “I mean, you know – we’d freakin’ knock it out of the park.”
The Speed reunion comes when Bullock and Reeves enjoy renewed career attention. Bullock is set to star in a Practical Magic sequel alongside Nicole Kidman, while Reeves continues to captivate audiences as the titular assassin in the blockbuster John Wick franchise.
But for the legions of Speed fans, there’s no doubt that their chemistry on screen remains unparalleled, a testament to the enduring appeal of a film that, 30 years later, still manages to get pulses racing.
As the evening drew to a close, Bullock reflected on the film’s lasting impact, crediting de Bont’s vision and the unwavering commitment of the cast for its enduring success.
“We knew we were doing something wacky,” she said. “But the crazy man in the greenish jacket over there, he’s the man who put the energy and the idea together, knew what the audience wanted and demanded it from everyone, and everyone stepped up to play it.”
And if the infectious enthusiasm of Bullock and Reeves is any indication, the audience may get that long-awaited Speed 3 after all. After all, as Reeves himself declared, “we’d freakin’ knock it out of the park.”