Keanu Reeves reveals he’s ‘thinking about death all the time’

"The Matrix" star shared thoughts on life and death while promoting his new book.

Keanu Reeves, at 59, openly acknowledges that he frequently contemplates mortality. 

Speaking to BBC News, he stated, "I'm thinking about death all the time," adding that this awareness fosters a deeper appreciation for life and relationships. 

Reeves' reflections come amidst the release of his first novel, "The Book of Elsewhere," co-written with British sci-fi author China Miéville. The book, featuring an immortal warrior longing for death, stems from Reeves' successful comic book series BRZRKR, soon to be adapted into a Netflix film and anime series.

Meeting in a dimly lit London hotel bar, Reeves, fresh from a performance with his band Dogstar, discussed his novel's creation. 

He praised the comic book medium, saying, "I love the images. I love words and storytelling and I love the way that you can have this engagement that overlays." 

While downplaying his role in writing the novel, Miéville acknowledged Reeves' significant contributions, stating the book wouldn't exist in its current form without his input.

The novel’s protagonist, "B," mirrors Reeves in appearance but is an 80,000-year-old half-god with a violent streak, unlike Reeves' gentle demeanor. The actor attributes this violence to influences from his action film career. 

Despite the comic’s graphic content, reviewers have praised it, with Flickering Myth’s Calum Petrie calling it "enjoyable" and AIPT Comics’ Justin Harrison describing it as "excellent" but cautioning about its violent nature.

Addressing concerns about the impact of depicted violence, Reeves dismissed any direct link, hoping readers find the underlying love story. Miéville criticized cultural scapegoating, suggesting that blaming media for real-world violence exonerates those who profit from it. 

For Reeves, creating fictional worlds provides comfort, stemming from personal pain and a desire to share compelling stories.

"The Book of Elsewhere" is set to be published by Penguin on 23 July, with Reeves' passion for storytelling shining through both his words and creative works.