Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves, and director Jan de Bont reunited at the 30th-anniversary screening of Speed during the Beyond Fest film festival in Los Angeles, reflecting on the film that made them international stars. The sold-out screening was followed by a lively Q&A session, where the trio shared behind-the-scenes memories of the iconic 1994 action film.
Speed, which grossed over $350 million worldwide, helped propel Bullock and Reeves to global fame. Bullock fondly recalled her audition for the role, remembering a simple setup involving a folding chair and a paper plate as her steering wheel. She also noted that, despite other actors initially being considered for the part, director Jan de Bont knew she was the right fit.
Reeves admitted he wasn’t immediately convinced to join the project but was sold after meeting de Bont, whom he referred to as a “mad genius” with a passion for capturing real action. The film’s practical effects, lack of CGI, and realistic stunts were central to its appeal, according to de Bont.
The trio discussed various aspects of production, including the 11 buses used during filming, the challenges of coordinating stunts, and the unpredictable charisma of Dennis Hopper, who played the film’s villain. Bullock shared that, while she wasn’t actually driving the bus, she did get a bus driver’s license for the film.
One of the most humorous moments of the Q&A came when Reeves recalled a stunt where the cast wasn’t fully informed of the chaos that would ensue. As the bus began colliding with other vehicles, the actors’ genuine reactions made for authentic and memorable shots.
Throughout the conversation, both Bullock and Reeves expressed their admiration for de Bont’s vision and hands-on direction. Despite its relatively modest budget of $31 million, Speed became an action classic, known for its nonstop thrills, real-life stunts, and electric performances.
Reflecting on the film’s legacy, Bullock playfully praised de Bont’s work, while Reeves added that the film couldn’t be made today for less than $150 million, highlighting the impressive feat it accomplished for its time.
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