Roy Wood Jr. and Keanu Reeves Star in New Dark Comedy

In a recent interview, comedian Roy Wood Jr. shared a humorous anecdote involving movie star Keanu Reeves. Wood recalls attempting to coax Reeves into saying a racial slur during filming, a moment that wasn’t scripted at all. “I was just trying to trip him up,” Wood remarked with a laugh. “His reaction? He’s a bit out of touch.”

Directed by Jonah Hill, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Ezra Woods, the film features Reeves as Leaf Hawk, a high-profile actor and recovering addict on an apology tour. However, this isn’t a heartfelt journey; rather, it’s motivated by the advice of his opportunistic crisis lawyer, portrayed by Hill, who informs him there’s a potentially damaging video of Leaf yet to be revealed.

Wood assumes the role of Reverend Leondras Carter, likening his character to a blend of Deion Sanders and a civil rights lawyer. This pastor is part of the legal team ready to manage the fallout if Leaf’s past comes back to haunt him. Interestingly, Wood jokes about the pastor’s involvement in the whole Jussie Smollett controversy, suggesting it was originally his idea, adding a layer of satire to the narrative.

For Wood, the timing of this project was fortuitous. Having recently left his long-time role on a popular show, he found himself with plenty of free time, which he noted has since filled up again with other commitments, such as hosting a CNN program.

He expressed that working with Reeves and being distracted by Hill proved to be a rewarding experience. The film allowed him to break free creatively, which he hasn’t always experienced in the sitcom format. “I think this is the first time I’ve been able to shoot so freely in front of the camera,” he reflected.

During filming, they spent around a week and a half in a conference room, tackling complex scenes that dug into Keanu’s character. Wood humorously recalled the moments attempting to catch Reeves off-guard, noting his calm composure throughout. “None of it really was scripted. Maybe he’s just a bit out of touch,” he laughed again.

As for the creative process, Wood highlighted the collaborative nature they shared. Conversations about the storyline often ventured off into quirky ideas, like debates about pizza toppings or what would happen if they turned a pizza into a calzone, reflecting the playful atmosphere on set.

Ultimately, the film addresses more profound themes, such as forgiveness. Wood appreciated the discussions surrounding performative awakenings and what apologies mean in a public context. He conveyed how the narrative invites viewers to ponder the sincerity of apologies and personal redemption.

Working with Hill proved to be a delightful experience. Wood noted Hill’s easy-going demeanor and focus on comedy, stating that the dialogue really drives the story. He shared a funny moment about Hill having to remove his gold teeth during filming, emphasizing the lighthearted vibe on set. Wood also mentioned how some of his character quirks, like a cane, provided opportunities to add depth and humor to the portrayal.