With every new ‘Fast & Furious’ film, Vin Diesel and Co. add new names to the ever-growing cast. For the newest film, there are folks like Jason Momoa and Brie Larson, who are now big names in the ‘Fast’ universe. One of the other new additions to the cast is Alan Ritchson, of “Reacher” fame, who joins in a pivotal role in “Fast X.” But according to the actor, he wasn’t the first choice for the role, and instead, the ‘Fast’ producers had a much bigger name in mind.
Speaking to EW, Alan Ritchson talked about how he landed the role of Aimes in “Fast X.” The actor explained that he was working on another project when he got the call. But before he was offered the role, apparently Keanu Reeves was in line to play Aimes. But due to some last-minute changes, the spot was vacated and Ritchson was given a chance.
“It was just a little stroke of luck and good timing,” Ritchson explained. “I was working on a movie with Hilary Swank up in Winnipeg in the freezing cold, and I got a call that things had shifted in the plans with Keanu Reeves, which is I think who was originally intended to play my part. Tough act to follow.”
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing after that. Ritchson explained that a delay in finishing his aforementioned Hilary Swank film almost made it so he would have to step away from “Fast X.” Thankfully, that was worked out, and the actor was able to finish the movie and still keep his “Fast X” role. But that wasn’t the only scare he experienced.
READ MORE: How Director Louis Leterrier Orchestrated An Unlikely ‘Fast X’ Reunion
“I got another call while I was filming from Jeff Kirschenbaum, who produces ‘Fast,’ and he sounded real low,” said Ritchson. “I was like, ‘Oh, God. Whatever you’ve got to say, just say it. I can take it. I’m a big boy.’ He goes, ‘You’re not going to be working with [director] Justin [Lin] on this.’ I was like, ‘Okay … am I still in the movie?'”
He continued, “He was like, ‘Yeah, of course. We’re excited to work with you, but we’ve decided to go our separate ways with Justin.’ I was like, ‘Okay, you can just say that next time!’ So I’m very grateful that it worked out.”
It’s unclear if Keanu Reeves was actually in line for the role. Obviously, you have to assume Ritchson wasn’t just making it up. But this is the first time we’ve heard that Reeves was expected to show up in “Fast X.” Now, with this news of the “John Wick” actor flirting with the ‘Fast’ franchise, you have to wonder if he’s going to show up in the next one. We’ll just have to wait and see.