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Keanu Reeves To Make Broadway Debut Soon: Exploring Hollywood Icons Who Have Also Thrived On The New York Stage

In the upcoming Broadway play, 'Waiting for Godot', Keanu Reeves will reunite with his 'Bill & Ted' co-star Alex Winter.

They say, the sky is the only limit. Well, Keanu Reeves must have taken this phrase quite seriously. As if becoming a Hollywood legend wasn't enough; the ‘John Wick' actor recently published his first novel, and is now all set to make his Broadway debut with Samuel Beckett’s 'Waiting for Godot'. And please hold your breath as the excitement does not end here! The upcoming play is being directed by Jamie Lloyd, and marks Reeves' reunion with his long-time collaborator, Alex Winter.

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in a still from 'Bill & Ted'

According to reports, the production will arrive on Broadway in the fall of 2025. Reeves will play Estragon, while Winter will be seen as Vladimir in the play. It's being produced by The Jamie Lloyd Company, ATG Productions, J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Live and Gavin Kalin Productions

"It is a real honor to be collaborating with the brilliant Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter on Samuel Beckett’s sublime masterpiece — one of the greatest plays of all time,” said director Lloyd in a statement.

However, it’s also important to note that Reeves is not the first Hollywood celebrity to turn to Broadway. Many iconic personalities in the industry started their careers on the prestigious stage. And several, just like Reeves, took their skills and stardom to the New York Stage later in their careers, and reached greater heights. Let's have a look at some of them.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is a legendary actor with many accolades to his credit. His nuanced performances in films like 'Forrest Gump', 'Saving Private Ryan', 'Catch Me If You Can', 'The Terminal', and 'Cast Away' have inspired countless individuals to take up acting. However, back in 2013, the actor proved that he is equally brilliant on the stage as well.

He made his Broadway debut with Nora Ephron's final play, 'Lucky Guy', portraying a complex character with ease. The play failed to impress the critics; but his performance hit the bull's eye effortlessly, leaving one and all in awe. Variety wrote about his work... "the affable movie star takes to the stage like a fish to water."

(Credit: davymacknyc)

It earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play nomination.

Bryan Cranston

Think about Bryan Cranston, and the very first image to come to your mind would be of Walter White aka Heisenberg from 'Breaking Bad'. Having said that, it's also essential to acknowledge his career beyond 'Breaking Bad' which is nothing short of remarkable.

The celebrated actor made his Broadway debut in 2014 with Robert Schenkkan's play 'All the Way'. His portrayal of President Lyndon B. Johnson in that play received enormous acclaim, earning him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. Later, he received his second Tony Award for portraying Howard Beale in 'Network'.

(Credit: All The Way Broadway)

In 2016, Cranston reprised his role from 'All the Way' in the HBO film of the same name.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson started her career in theatre (not Broadway though), and gradually transitioned to cinema. It didn't take her long to find fame in Hollywood, becoming one of the world's highest-paid actresses. However, in 2010, just a few months before she appeared as Black Widow (in the Marvel Cinematic Universe), the actress had made her Broadway debut with a revival of the play, 'A View from the Bridge'.

(Credit: Hampton Theatre Co.)

She played the role of Catherine in the play, showcasing her mettle in portraying shaded and complex characters. This earned her the prestigious Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play. Later, in 2013, she appeared in the play 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof', and received further acclaim.

The list obviously doesn't end here. Besides these celebs, it also includes Adam Driver, Hugh Jackman, and Jake Gyllenhaal among others.