Keanu Reeves Responds to ‘Red Pill’ Misinterpretation
Beloved Hollywood icon and action movie superstar Keanu Reeves has addressed the controversial alt-right interpretation of one of his most iconic films, The Matrix. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Reeves was asked how he feels about the political right’s co-opting of the film’s “red pill” metaphor—a symbol for accepting difficult truths. Reeves expressed discomfort with this interpretation, saying, “It doesn’t sound that great to me.”
The Red Pill Symbolism
In The Matrix, Reeves’ character Neo is offered a choice between a red pill and a blue pill by the freedom fighter Morpheus. The blue pill would return him to his regular life, while the red pill would reveal the unsettling truth about the world. This metaphor has been adopted by various alt-right groups, conspiracy theorists, and men’s rights activists to signify a rejection of mainstream liberal values.
Reeves’ Reaction
When asked about this appropriation, Reeves appeared uncomfortable and responded, “It’s art, right? People take it and run with it.” While acknowledging that art is open to interpretation, Reeves seemed displeased with the alt-right’s use of the metaphor.
Creators Reject Alt-Right Interpretation
The Matrix’s creator, Lilly Wachowski, has publicly rejected this interpretation. In 2020, after Elon Musk tweeted “Take the red pill,” Ivanka Trump replied “Taken!” Wachowski responded bluntly, “F*ck both of you.” This rejection underscores the creators’ disapproval of the alt-right’s shallow analysis, which often boils down to the color red being associated with the political right in the US.
Trans Allegory and Positive Reception
Contrary to the alt-right’s interpretation, The Matrix is widely recognized as a trans allegory. This interpretation has been positively received by Lilly Wachowski, who, along with her sibling and co-director Lana Wachowski, has transitioned. Wachowski noted the film’s themes of transformation and identity, highlighting its underlying “burbling transness.”
Reeves on the Trans Allegory
Reeves revealed that he was unaware of the allegory during filming but finds it “cool.” He stated, “I never spoke to Lilly about that. She never conveyed that to me. The Matrix films are profound, and I think that allegorically, a lot of people in different versions of the film can speak to that. For Lilly to come out and share that with us, I think is cool.”
Upcoming Projects
As fans of The Matrix await further developments, the franchise continues to evolve. A fifth movie is currently in development with filmmaker Drew Goddard. Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves has several projects lined up, including reprising his role as John Wick in the spinoff Ballerina, starring in the comedy Good Fortune, Jonah Hill’s black comedy Outcome, and voicing Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.