Yes, he refused to play the part because the film was too “violent” for his liking. In today’s world, we keep hearing stories that an established actor had rejected a certain classic movie, and we get fascinated by the subject of speculation of what would have become of the film and the actor had he or she had accepted the role. Today, we are going to shed some light on an instance when John Wick-famed actor Keanu Reeves had to turn down a role in the classic war movie because the film was too violent for his liking. Surprisingly enough, that actor, who is also famous for playing the role of Neo in The Matrix after Seven Pounds actor Will Smith rejected it, turned down the offer of starring in a violent war film. Oliver Stone had revealed in his interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2011 that in Reeves’ early days as an actor, he had offered an opportunity to him to star in his war film titled “Platoon.” This was the year 1986. We live in a different world now. Keanu Reeves was offered a chance to star in the film as the character Chris (which was eventually played by Charlie Sheen). The film could have easily thrown the actor into the limelight, but the astonishing fact is not that he refused the film; the astonishing fact is the aspect of ‘why?’ Oliver Stone revealed in his interview with Entertainment Weekly that Keanu Reeves did not want to play the role because he did not want to do anything violent. Irrespective of the fact, the decision is in concurrence to his overall calm and nice persona, but it is surprising considering the work he has done in recent years. Yes, I am giving reference to the menacing titular character in the franchise John Wick. Not only that, he has also done other legendary action projects such as Point Break, The Matrix, and Speed. However, nowadays, his role of John Wick has overshadowed any of the works he has done in the past. In 2014, the first installment was a sleeper hit. He has reprised his role of the titular character in two sequels, the third of which was released in 2019 (John Wick: Parabellum), which also featured Halle Berry in the leading role. Two more films have been planned as well. The fourth part will be released in 2022. The production of the fourth and fifth film has been going on simultaneously. So, it makes someone wonder if a film like “Platoon” gets offered to him now, will he accept it? Well, who knows. But, it can be said that as one ages, he attains experience, and with that, his likes and dislikes change. It is unclear whether he still dislikes on-screen violence or not. However, personally, he has gone through so much that I don’t think he has any regrets about not doing Platoon, and by the looks of it, he does not seem a man of regrets. However, we are glad he did “John Wick.” Aren’t We? The movie is just mind-bogglingly awesome. Source: https://directoryrelt.com/blog/keanu-reeves-had-once-refused-to-play-a-part-in-a-violent-war-film/