Keanu Reeves has starred in many films over the years. Some have been massive hits while others could have seen better outcomes. What nearly all of them had in common was the fact that the actor had willingly been a part of them and was therefore somewhat linked to whatever fate it saw.

Keanu Reeves as John Wick | Credit: Lionsgate

However, what happens when the actor is tricked? When his wish to aid a film in its success ends with him being put in legal shackles and forced to ride out a project that he never wished to lead.

This is exactly what happened to Reeves’ 2000 film, which allegedly did him an insult of the highest regard after using him for his stardom.

Keanu Reeves was misled into being the lead of The Watcher

The 2000s were an excellent time for Keanu Reeves. He started the ’90s off with Point Break and Speed and ended them with The Matrix, making him all the rage when they ended. With this, he seemed to be looking to new methods of existing within the industry.

Reeves in The Watcher | Credit: Universal Pictures

A frequent trend within Hollywood has involved actors starring in smaller-budget films in smaller roles so that they can be paid big. The deal works out in the favor of everyone, with actors getting paid and films getting a big celebrity in their cast. In 2000, Reeves seemed to have had the same intention with The Watcher.

However, the film ended up tricking the actor in the worst ways possible. According to ScreenRant, years before the film was made, Reeves and the director of the film, Joe Charbanic, were playing a game of hockey when the actor made a verbal agreement with the director to star in one of his films.

Keanu Reeves in The Watcher | Credit: Universal Pictures

He clarified that he would play a small role so that Charbanic’s film could use Reeves’ name and boost its numbers. However, when the time came to star in the film, his role was drastically increased in the movie, turning from a small appearance to the lead star of the project.

Keanu Reeves was also the lowest-paid star in the main cast

After the sudden increase in his part, Keanu Reeves contemplated backing out of the film altogether. However, he was advised against doing so by his legal team after recently having gotten into legal trouble after breaking a verbal agreement.

Reeves in The Watcher | Credit: Universal Pictures

One can imagine that starring in a project in such conditions was not a fun experience for the actor. However, right when one would think that things could not get any worse, they did. Allegedly, the actor found out the salaries of his co-stars, and he was not happy with what he learned.

It would seem that James Spader and Marisa Tomei were both being paid $1 million for their respective roles. However, despite Reeves being the bigger name on the project, he was paid only union scale. It is safe to assume that working in such an environment left a lasting impact on the actor, easily becoming one of the most regrettable films of Reeves’ career.