Keanu Reeves looks back on 'Point Break'

It’s been 20 years since Keanu Reeves became an action star with the surfers-turned-bank-robbers classic “Point Break” – to which Reeves says, “Fantastic!” (You were perhaps expecting a “Whoa!”?)

“Having the chance to do that kind of film, it was nice to have that chance,” Reeves told Current. “[Director] Kathryn Bigelow gave me my shot.”

Imagine how different the film would have been had Matthew Broderick or Johnny Depp (who were both considered) gotten the role of Johnny Utah. Instead, Reeves, fresh off "Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure," got the part of the rookie FBI agent, alongside Gary Busey and Patrick Swayze (“His support, and his life, he was inspiring,” Reeves said).

Their final scene together was originally shot with a more traditional ending – but was changed after testing with audiences and reshoot six months later. Both Swayze and Reeves had gone off to other projects and had changed their hairstyles -- Swayze had cut his for "City of Joy," Reeves had grown his out for the "Bill & Ted's" sequel. Luckily, it worked for the story, since Swayze's character had been in hiding, and Reeves' character had become disillusioned. Plus, it helped to show time had passed. After searching for him around the world for a year, Johnny finds Bodhi in Bells Beach, Australia, considers arresting him, but lets him go (again!).

“They wanted to complete a circle,” Reeves said. “It’s supposed to be Australia, and where did we shoot that? Northern Oregon. Patrick and I have this great ocean fight scene in the water, and I think it was 52 degrees, you know? And rain machines – good old fashioned movie making! Rain machines, cheaper location, cold water, new ending… ‘Vaya con dios. Vaya con dios.’”

When Bodhi realizes he’s surrounded, he tries to convince Johnny to release him for one last wave. “Look at it,” he pleads, referring to the monster swell behind him (actually the break from Waimea Bay in Hawaii's North Shore, not the mythical 50 Year Storm). “It’s an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, man. Just let me go out there. Let me get one wave before you take me. One wave. Where am I going to go, man? Cliffs on both sides. I’m not going to paddle to New Zealand!” (Especially not from Oregon). “My whole life has been about this moment, Johnny. Come on, compadre. Come on!”

Johnny uncuffs him, and Bodhi paddles away. When he’s chided that he let him go, Johnny says, “No, I didn’t,” as Bodhi wipes out, disappearing into the waves. It might be the first case of suicide-by-surf on film. 

“I had so much fun making that film,” Reeves said. “Hopefully people still enjoy it.”