The Condition For Speed 3 To Happen Perfectly Explains What Went Wrong With The 1997 Sandra Bullock Sequel

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Speed 3

One condition for Speed 3 explains why 1997's sequel to Speed, which also starred Sandra Bullock like the original film, failed to recreate its predecessor's success. With Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves as its leads, Speed performed incredibly well at the global box office after earning close to $350 million worldwide against a $30-37 million budget. Even from a critical standpoint, the movie was widely appreciated by viewers and critics and still boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%. For obvious reasons, its success led to the development of a sequel, Speed 2: Cruise Control.

Unfortunately, despite marking Sandra Bullock's return as one of its two leads, the sequel failed to leave its mark at the box office. The Speed movies could have paved the way for a full-fledged franchise, but Speed 2's critical and commercial performance killed the chances of Speed 3 seeing the light of day. It may now be a little too late for Speed 3 to happen, but one condition for the third installment highlights what went wrong with Speed 2 in the first place.

Speed 3 Will Only Happen If The Idea Excites Reeves & Bullock

The Franchise Cannot Continue Without The Two Actors' Approval

In a recent interview (via The Hollywood Reporter), 20th Century Studios' president, Steve Asbell, was asked to share his insights on Speed 3 after Sandra Bullock claimed that Hollywood was not brave enough to make the film happen. Interestingly, Asbell said that Hollywood is brave enough for the film, but also added a condition for it to happen. He revealed that even though Speed is one of the last movies they have not remade, it needs a solid reason to come back — not only should it have a good idea driving its story but it should also excite Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.

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The 20th Century Studios president added that the film is a "really important title," and it is not something they would handle lightly. He also said that Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock would be the reason to see it, highlighting how crucial it is for both actors to return if the third film happens. Asbell ended his statement by saying that both Bullock and Reeves would have to be a "part of the development of the idea," which would ensure the new film honors the original and leaves both stars satisfied with the story's direction.

Reeves Turned Down Speed 2 Because “It Just Wasn’t Right”

The Real Reason Why Only Sandra Bullock Returned For The Sequel

Keanu Reeves on a call with the villain while Sandra Bullock is handcuffed in Speed

In a 2018 interview with Jimmy Kimmel (via YouTube), Keanu Reeves explained that he did not return for the sequel after reading its script because he could see how the movie's cruise liner setting could not work. He said that a cruise liner was even slower than a bus, which completely went against the movie's title. As he revealed, he said, "I love you guys, but I just can’t do it," before turning away from the project. Reeves talked about his decision again in 2021 on The Graham Norton Show, recalling why he declined the offer to reprise his role in the movie sequel.

Movie	Rotten Tomatoes Critics' Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	Budget	Box Office
Speed	95%	77%	$30–37 million	$350.4 million
Speed 2: Cruise Control	4%	16%	$110–160 million	$164.5 million

He said he wanted to work with Sandra Bullock and loved playing Jack Traven in the first film, but the idea of having a cruise liner as its setting did not make sense. He added that even though he had nothing against the artists involved with the film, he "had the feeling it just wasn’t right.” Reeves' reasons for backing off from the project eventually favored him, given how Speed 2: Cruise Control was panned by critics for its inability to recreate the edge-of-the-seat thrill with its cruise liner setting that drives the original film's quick-paced action and drama.

Speed 3 With Reeves & Bullock Sounds Too Good Not To Happen

Their Reunion Could Revive The Action Franchise

Although Speed's gripping storytelling and action played a crucial role in making it successful, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock's on-screen chemistry added a lot of heart and humor to the film's narrative. Even though The Matrix Resurrections received an underwhelming reception, a big reason why audiences were hyped to see it was that it marked Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss's return as Neo and Trinity. A new Speed movie reinstating Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock as its main characters could have a similar effect, drawing in both new viewers and old admirers of the original film.

Speed 3 would also garner a lot of criticism if it features a new pair of actors instead of continuing what the original film started.

If all goes well, a new Speed movie could also trigger a full-fledged franchise with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock as its leads. Remakes and reboots of classic action movies are often seen with a skeptical eye, and rightfully so. Speed 3 would also garner a lot of criticism if it features a new pair of actors instead of continuing what the original film started. However, Speed 3, with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock returning to play Jack Tavern and Annie Porter, respectively, would be something most viewers would love to see.

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.
Speed 2: Cruise Control follows a thrilling ordeal aboard a hijacked cruise liner, where vacationing cop Alex Shaw and his partner Annie Porter face a desperate race against time. Lacking communication, they must thwart the plans of a rogue saboteur to save the passengers and prevent an environmental catastrophe.