20th Century Studios President Steve Asbell addresses the status ofSpeed 3. Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves starred in the originalSpeedreleased in 1994, with the story revolving around a bus that would explode if it went below 50 miles per hour. The movie’s popularity led to the 1997 sequel,Speed 2: Cruise Control, which was panned, and holds a dismal 4% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes. In the years since,there has been speculation about whetherSpeed 3could happenwith both Bullock andReeves playing their original characters.
During an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter,Asbell was asked to respond to Bullock’s comments at the 30th-anniversary screening ofSpeed, in which she said Hollywood may not be brave enough to make a third installment now. Asbell confirmed that20th Century Studios is interested inSpeed 3, but it will only move forward if both Bullock and Reeves are involved with the movieand are excited about the idea. He emphasized that the actors' return would be the main appeal for the sequel. Check out Asbell’s comments below:
Hollywood is brave enough. We are brave enough. We are sitting by the phone. (Laughs)
It is one of those last movies that we haven’t remade. And to really be a reason to come back, it’s got to be a great idea and an idea that excites (Bullock and Keanu Reeves). Because that’d be the reason to see it. It’s obviously a really important title for us, but it’s not something we would handle lightly or just try to press them into service. They’d have to be a part of the development of that idea.
What This Means For Speed 3
It Could Happen But Is Not Currently Moving Forward
While 20th Century Studios remains interested inSpeed 3, Asbell’s comments confirm thatthe sequel is not actively in development, and will only move forward with Bullock and Reeves' involvement.Speed 2being a critical and commercial failure proved that the premise and the return of only one original star was not enough to guarantee success. This is likely why, as Asbell pointed out,Speedhas been one of the last movies the studio has not remade, as it was Bullock and Reeves together that helped make the first movie a hit.
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Speedis one of Bullock and Reeves' best movies, and since itwas released,their stardom has only increased, including Reeves' starring roles inThe MatrixandJohn Wickmovies. The nostalgia of seeing them back together and keeping another vehicle rigged with explosives above a certain speed would be enough to generate widespread interest. However, this will not happen until Bullock and Reeves are officially involved in the development of the project and the franchise’s next step.
Our Take On Steve Asbell’s Comments
Speed 3With Sandra Bullock & Keanu Reeves Is The Best Next Step For The Franchise
It is refreshing to hear that 20th Century Studios has no desire to remakeSpeeddespite having remade many other intellectual properties, even if that decision is related toSpeed 2’s financial failure. A follow-upmovie with Bullockand Reeves playing Annie Porter and Jack Traven is the best way for the franchise to expand.20th Century Studios now needs to find a way to get the two stars onboardwith the movie’s development soSpeed 3can become a reality.
Speed
Cast
In Jan de Bont’s 1994 action thriller Speed, LAPD officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) works alongside passenger Annie (Sandra Bullock) to safely stop a bus that will explode if it goes below 50 mph.
