How much did Keanu Reeves earn from 'The Matrix'? Star made more money from a single franchise than any actor
Keanu Reeves, who plays the lead character in 'The Matrix', has earned more money than any other actor in history from any franchise. In all four movies, the recent being 'The Matrix: Resurrections', the well-known actor portrayed computer programmer and cybercriminal Neo, aka Thomas Anderson.
The movies depict a future in which humans are unknowingly imprisoned in 'the Matrix', a virtual world that intelligent robots have built to divert people while utilizing their bodies as a source of energy. As Neo discovers the reality, he and other humans who have escaped the 'Matrix' start a rebellion against the machines.
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How much Keanu Reeves made from 'The Matrix'?
The trilogy by itself had a worldwide box office collection estimated to be a staggering $1.6 billion, of which the actor reportedly made $120 million in bonuses alone from the sequels. Reeves was paid roughly around $10 million for 'The Matrix' and the profits that were rewarded totaled about $35 million for the first movie. His backend bonuses made him the highest-paid actor of all time, especially for a single franchise, as per Ladbible. With the fourth 'Matrix' movie releasing in 2021, Reeves' total earnings from the franchise were reported to be $200 million. In all, the actor is worth roughly $380 million today.
According to a "non-definitive list of actors who have received $30 million or more as compensation for their services in a single production," Reeve's total income for 'The Matrix' franchise was the highest of all ($200M). Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise, and Will Smith came in second place, earning a total of $100 million, according to reports.
Keanu Reeves chose a 'ridiculous' stage name when he was 20
Even with such a lucrative cinematic career, everything might have easily gone south because Reeves was given the option of adopting a ridiculous stage name early in his career. Prior to the premiere of 'The Matrix Resurrections', Reeves told 'Good Morning America' that he was previously asked to take on a stage name since 'Keanu' was described by some as "too exotic." The Canadian actor said, "So, I'm 20 years old, I’m in my first car, I wanted to be in movies, I went to Hollywood. And I get there and they’re like, 'we wanna change your name.'"
Wanting to make a good impression, Reeves then considered some options. "Chuck Spadina," the actor claimed was the stage name he almost adopted. "I just came up with ridiculous names," he added.
