Matt Smith could not hide his surprise after learning that Keanu Reeves once spent a flight watching Morbius, the 2022 superhero film that earned Razzie nominations and has become a cultural meme. During an appearance on Brittany Broski's Royal Court podcast, the House of the Dragon star was informed that the 61-year-old John Wick actor had been spotted viewing the film midair. Smith, 43, who played the villain Milo in the Jared Leto-led movie, responded with a string of expletives and disbelief, saying, “F--- off. You are joking.”

Smith's Reaction to the Revelation

Broski, 29, confirmed the anecdote, adding, “Yeah, he loves you.” Smith, however, remained incredulous. Despite his shock, he made it clear he holds Reeves in the highest regard. “I love Keanu Reeves. Keanu Reeves, what a movie star,” Smith said. “Wow. He just looks like an angel. He has something, you know what I mean? Like if you were to get a guardian angel in life, please God, let it be Keanu Reeves.”

The suggestion that Reeves had chosen Morbius as his in-flight entertainment only deepened Smith's amazement. He noted his long-time admiration for Reeves' work, particularly his 1990s films like Point Break and Speed. “I genuinely think that that period of movies, that sort of ’90s period of films, I just love. From Point Break onwards. I just think he's the best,” Smith said.

When Broski pressed him on his own in-flight viewing habits, Smith replied, “Not f---ing Morbius. Jesus Christ. My God, he must have really gone through the BA library to be getting to that.” He hypothesized that Reeves might have been under the influence, joking, “He was having a moment. He's on the Valium or something.” But he quickly clarified, “No, but what a legend. I love Keanu Reeves. I just want to make that really clear.”

Background on 'Morbius' and Its Reception

Morbius, released in April 2022, stars Jared Leto as Dr. Michael Morbius, a brilliant scientist suffering from a rare blood disorder who attempts a risky cure that transforms him into a living vampire with superhuman abilities. Matt Smith plays Milo, Morbius's wealthy childhood friend, who later undergoes the same treatment and fully embraces his newfound powers, leading to a violent clash between the two. The film was panned by critics, holding a 15% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and won several Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Actor for Leto. Despite this, it achieved a cult following online, with fans creating ironic memes and the phrase “It's Morbin' time” becoming a viral joke.

For Smith, the film represented a departure from his more acclaimed roles, such as the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who, Prince Philip in Netflix's The Crown, and Daemon Targaryen in HBO's House of the Dragon. He has spoken openly about the challenges of playing a villain in a comic book movie that faced intense scrutiny. In interviews, he has described the experience as fun but noted the mixed reception. The fact that Reeves, an actor known for his careful project selection and iconic roles, chose to watch Morbius voluntarily struck Smith as particularly amusing.

Keanu Reeves' In-Flight Entertainment Choices

Keanu Reeves is known for his down-to-earth personality and eclectic taste in films. The anecdote about him watching Morbius on a plane first surfaced in a 2023 interview with the New Yorker, where a fellow passenger reported seeing the star scrolling through the airline's movie selection and settling on the vampire flick. Reeves later confirmed the story in a lighthearted manner, saying he enjoyed the film and found it entertaining. This revelation delighted fans, who saw it as a typical Reeves move—supporting a fellow actor's work regardless of critical reception.

Smith's reaction adds a new layer to the story, showcasing his humility and humor. He admitted that his own in-flight viewing is much more predictable, stating, “I'm really boring on flights. I tend to watch stuff that I can fall asleep to or I'll watch like reruns of The Office. I'm one of those guys that likes to fall asleep to something. Is that weird?” He also mentioned his love for British comedy character Alan Partridge, played by Steve Coogan, calling it “the greatest single British character that's been created in the last 30 years.”

Matt Smith's Career Trajectory

Smith's career has been marked by versatility, moving from stage to television to film. He gained worldwide fame as the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who from 2010 to 2013, earning critical acclaim for his energetic portrayal. He then transitioned to dramatic roles, playing the younger version of Prince Philip in The Crown, a performance that garnered an Emmy nomination. His role as Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, has been particularly praised for its complexity and intensity. The series, which premiered its second season in June 2024, has solidified Smith's status as a leading man in prestige television.

In addition to Morbius, Smith has appeared in films such as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Official Secrets, and The Forgiven. He remains active in theater, having performed in London's West End and on Broadway. His ability to balance blockbuster franchises with more intimate projects has made him a respected figure in the industry.

The Cultural Impact of the 'Morbius' Meme

The Morbius phenomenon represents a unique case in modern cinema. Initially a commercial flop, grossing $167 million against a $75 million budget, the film was quickly embraced by internet communities as a source of irony and humor. The meme “It's Morbin' time” became a widespread joke, often used to mock poorly received movies or to express exaggerated enthusiasm. Sony Pictures even re-released the film in theaters in June 2022, which led to a brief resurgence in ticket sales, largely driven by meme culture.

Smith's involvement in the film has made him a target of friendly ribbing, but he has taken it in stride. His exchange with Broski further humanizes the actor, showing that he can laugh at himself. The interview also highlighted the genuine camaraderie between celebrities, as Smith's reverence for Reeves remained undiminished despite the joking tone.

Implications for In-Flight Movie Choices

The story has sparked broader discussions about what people choose to watch on airplanes. Many travelers opt for familiar comfort shows or movies they can sleep through, as Smith mentioned. Others, like Reeves, might pick a film that they missed in theaters or one that generates conversation. The fact that a major star like Reeves chose a critically panned film suggests that personal taste often overrides critical consensus, especially in a low-stakes environment like a long-haul flight.

Smith's disbelief also reflects the disconnect between industry perceptions and audience behavior. While actors and critics may have complex feelings about a film, viewers simply enjoy it for what it is. Reeves' choice serves as a reminder that even the best actors appreciate a wide range of cinema, including the flawed and the absurd.

Conclusion-Free Ending

As the conversation on Royal Court wrapped, Smith reiterated his admiration for Reeves, calling him a legend. The House of the Dragon actor continues to promote the second season of the series, which airs on HBO Max. His unexpected anecdote about Reeves and Morbius has generated buzz across social media, with fans sharing clips and memes. Meanwhile, Morbius remains available on streaming platforms, potentially gaining new viewers curious about the film that led Keanu Reeves to call “Morbin' time” at 30,000 feet.

Source: MSN News