Keanu Reeves, best known for his acclaimed franchise John Wick believes that Shakespeare is not the sole writer of his plays

Keanu Reeves has an unorthodox belief about one of history’s greatest literary figures – William Shakespeare.
The star of “The Matrix” and “John Wick” franchises expressed a deep interest in the authorship of William Shakespeare’s plays.
Reeves, a firm believer in the Oxfordian theory, thinks that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the actual genius behind the works attributed to Shakespeare.

Keanu Reeves, the renowned actor known for his roles in iconic movies like The Matrix and John Wick, a few years back revealed a fascinating and unconventional belief that spans centuries. In a video interview with BuzzFeed, Reeves shared his desire to witness a pivotal moment in literary history.

Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films

When questioned about his preferred time period for time travel and the reason behind it, Reeves disclosed his enduring curiosity about the authorship of William Shakespeare’s works. Reeves has starred in several films based on the works of Shakespeare, including Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing, where he played Don John.

What Does Keanu Reeves Think About the Authorship of William Shakespeare’s Works?

In a video interview with BuzzFeed, Keanu Reeves revealed his desire to travel back in time to uncover the truth about the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays.

He expressed skepticism about the commonly accepted narrative that William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, was the sole author of the renowned plays attributed to him.

Keanu Reeves in Much Ado About Nothing

“So I want to be there for that moment when ‘Shakespeare’ wrote his works– Because I don’t think it was really Shakespeare… So I’d like to time travel to 1600s [and see] Shakespeare writing Hamlet.”
Reeves said that he believes in the Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare’s authorship. This theory, which has existed since the 19th century, posits that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of the Bard’s acclaimed works.

This Theory Remains a Subject of Controversy Within Academic Circles

While the Oxfordian theory has gained traction among some scholars and literary enthusiasts, it remains a subject of controversy within academic circles. The mainstream consensus continues to support William Shakespeare as the true author, citing historical records and contextual evidence.

Keanu Reeves in Speed

The Oxfordian theory remains largely unsupported by mainstream Shakespearean scholarship. Critics argue that the evidence presented is circumstantial at best and that attributing Shakespeare’s works to someone else undermines his own literary genius.

Keanu Reeves’s belief in the Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare’s authorship added a unique dimension to the existing debate surrounding the Bard’s true identity.