Ana de Armas Shares Insights on Bond with Keanu Reeves, Accidental Action Star
Ana de Armas recently shared insights about her long-standing friendship with Keanu Reeves and her transformation into an action star during a discussion at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. The event took place on a Friday, marking a significant moment in her career journey from Cuba to becoming a Hollywood icon.
Ana de Armas and Her Journey to Action Stardom
De Armas began her narrative by reminiscing about her arrival in Los Angeles more than ten years ago. She first met Reeves while working on the film Knock Knock, where language barriers presented challenges, but their bond quickly grew. Reflecting on their connection, she described Reeves as “incredibly kind and generous,” emphasizing how he made her feel welcome in Hollywood.
Reuniting for Ballerina
De Armas expressed that reuniting with Reeves for the recently released film Ballerina, a spin-off of the popular John Wick series, felt like a full-circle moment. She appreciated the opportunity to work with Reeves again after ten years, noting the significance of his support in her career.
Unexpected Path to Action Films
Interestingly, De Armas did not initially see herself as an action star. She stated, “I never thought of myself as athletic or imagined I’d do action movies.” Her journey into this genre began with major roles in films such as No Time to Die, The Gray Man, and Ghosted. She described the demanding nature of her work in Ballerina, which required intense physical preparation and training over several months.
From Cuba to Hollywood
Tracing her roots back to her childhood in Cuba, De Armas shared delightful memories of performing with neighborhood friends. She recognized her early ambition to become an actress, stating, “There was no Plan B.” After attending theater school in Havana, she made her screen debut while still a student, often reflecting on how being on set was more educational than any classroom experience.
At 18, with only 300 euros saved from her early acting work, De Armas moved to Madrid to pursue greater opportunities. This leap led to her becoming a household name in Spain through a hit TV series, although it also left her feeling creatively stifled.
A Move to Los Angeles
In search of diverse roles, she relocated to Los Angeles with minimal English skills and was anonymous in the industry. Despite the challenges, she emphasized the importance of this step in her career, claiming that Blade Runner 2049 marked her true breakthrough.
Key Roles and Career Highlights
Her role in No Time to Die was pivotal, as she portrayed a Cuban agent named Paloma. De Armas humorously recalled bringing elements of her recent work on Blonde to this role, infusing her character with a hint of Marilyn Monroe’s essence.
De Armas received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Blonde, which she labeled as transformative. Throughout her hour-long conversation, she acknowledged the dual pressures of seeking challenges while avoiding typecasting in her newfound action star status.
- Key Films:Knock Knock, No Time to Die, The Gray Man, Ghosted, Ballerina, Blonde
- Career Milestones: First meeting with Keanu Reeves, move to Los Angeles, Oscar nomination for Blonde
- Upcoming Events: Red Sea Film Festival ongoing until December 13
As she concluded her discussion, De Armas highlighted her commitment to pursuing challenging roles that resonate with her artistic vision, reinforcing her desire to avoid complacency in her exceptional career journey.
