Keanu Reeves might be known for intense action roles, but his choice of in-flight entertainment has become a punchline. Matt Smith, the Doctor Who and House of the Dragon star, was left baffled after learning that Reeves was photographed watching the critically panned superhero flick Morbius on a recent flight. The story, first shared by the IGN piece, quickly made the rounds online, and Smith’s reaction is as blunt as they come.
For those who managed to forget, Morbius starred Jared Leto as the living vampire and was met with disastrous reviews and endless internet mockery. The film became a meme so potent that Sony even re-released it, only to bomb again. So when a photo surfaced of Reeves—who is no stranger to sci-fi blockbusters—appearing to watch it on a plane, the internet had a field day.
Smith’s Blunt Take: ‘He Was on the Valium or Something’
Speaking at a recent press event, Smith didn’t hold back when asked about the viral moment. “I saw that. I mean, come on. He was on the Valium or something,” Smith said, prompting laughter. The actor, who played the villain Milo in Morbius, has always been a good sport about the film’s reception, previously joking that he only did it for a paycheck. But seeing Reeves, a Hollywood icon, seemingly endure the same poorly-received movie clearly stunned him.
Smith’s comment isn’t just a random jab; it reflects how even the cast recognizes the movie’s notorious status. While promoting other projects, Smith has consistently shrugged off Morbius with self-deprecating humor. This time, though, the joke was on Keanu.
A Connection to House of the Dragon and Gaming Blockbusters
Smith is currently busy with far bigger things than vampire flops. He’s reprising his role as Daemon Targaryen in the upcoming third season of House of the Dragon, which just dropped a trailer teasing a massive battle. Fans can get a glimpse of the carnage in the new House of the Dragon trailer, where Smith’s character is front and center. The contrast between prestige fantasy TV and a mocked superhero flick couldn’t be starker.
The Morbius saga also highlights the shaky track record of comic book movies that aren’t part of a proven franchise. Studios have long tried to replicate Marvel’s success with obscure characters, often with similar results. Even the gaming world is no stranger to this trend—upcoming film adaptations like the just-announced Minecraft Movie Squared will try to avoid the same pitfalls. Whether game movies can escape the “Morbius curse” remains an open question.
GamerHeadlines Takeaway
This is the kind of Hollywood fluff that keeps award season bearable. Smith’s deadpan delivery and the absurd mental image of Keanu Reeves silently judging Morbius at 30,000 feet are pure gold. It’s a reminder that even the biggest stars can’t escape the gravitational pull of a good bad movie—or at least one they’re contractually obligated to watch.
