‘Just Eating a Sandwich, Man!’ Keanu Reeves Finally Addresses the Viral ‘Sad Keanu’ Meme

Of the million memes in the world, a few stand out as the most famous, and Sad Keanu is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable of that bunch. 

The meme in question shows the “Matrix” alum sitting on a park bench, eating a sandwich, looking equal parts pensive and bereft. Know Your Meme says that the photo was snapped by  photographer Ron Asadorian in May 2010. It exploded in popularity on a Reddit thread and has remained incredibly popular for more than a decade. 

And now the A-list actor finally has something to say about it. During an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Reeves defended his overall posture in the infamous picture. He also offered an explanation for what was going through his head.

The two were discussing “BRZRKR,” the new comic Reeves wrote featuring an ancient half human/half god with a propensity for violence. One panel in particular seems to recall the “Sad Keanu” meme in all its glory. When asked to discuss what led to him sitting on the bench looking sad, the Canadian-born actor had a good attitude about all of it.

“I’m just eating a sandwich, man!,” Reeves told Colbert. 

“So you’re not actually sad in ‘Sad Keanu?’” Colbert replied.

“I was thinking,” the actor clarified. “I had some stuff going on. I was hungry,” Reeves continued.

Later, the “John Wick” actor said the comic book artist referencing “Sad Keanu” in the comic book was an example of “life in art.” He didn’t know it was going to be included in the comic art, but upon seeing it, he supported the decision for the character. 

Reeves is one of the most universally beloved actors in Hollywood thanks to his quirky personality and action star status. This facet of his character also makes the A-lister a prime target for meme making. Colbert asked Reeves about that fact during their conversation.

“Why do you think you’re so meme-able?” Colbert asked Reeves. “There are so many Keanu memes out there.” 

“I have no clue, sir,” the actor replied. 

In the same interview, Reeves proved just how committed he is to the craft of acting. The actor said he jumped off the same building 19 times just to achieve the perfect shot for his new film, “The Matrix Resurrections.”

“Because it’s [director] Lana Wachowski, it’s ‘The Matrix’ and you need natural light and you want to do it real,” the actor said. “I mean, there’s wires.”

“After the first time, you can’t think of…the fear,” he continued. “You have to, not block it, but deal with it, absorb it and just be there and do. And that’s what we did.”

Even after downplaying how harrowing filming that scene must have been, Reeves admitted he’s never bungee jumped before.

“I’m scared of that,” he revealed, which was an interesting observation coming from someone who’s done so many of his own stunts over the years.

“The Matrix Resurrections” premieres in theaters and on HBO Max December 22.

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