New Lego Movie: Keanu Reeves in Talks for Lead Role
It's supposed to be a completely new story
Following his acclaimed performance as Duke Ka-Boom in "Toy Story 4", Keanu Reeves could soon be part of another major toy adventure. According to industry magazine Deadline, the star is currently in negotiations for the lead role in a new Lego movie, which is set to be directed by "Transformers One" director Josh Cooley.
The project has been in development for several years. After Universal secured the rights to a new Lego movie in 2020, the studio worked on various script drafts. It was only after several discussions with writers and directors that the studio apparently decided to build the film around a big name – and the choice fell on Hollywood favorite Keanu Reeves. Following initial talks between Reeves and Universal, Josh Cooley was eventually brought on board, and he ultimately won Reeves over with his ideas for the film.
According to initial reports, the film is said to be a mix of animation and live-action. More specific details are still under wraps. What is certain, however, is that the project will have no direct connection to the previous Lego movies, as the rights remain with Warner. Instead , Universal is reportedly planning a complete reboot of the franchise. A release date has not yet been announced.
The Lego Movies So Far: How the Colorful Building Blocks Created a Successful Cinematic Universe
When "The Lego Movie" hit theaters in 2014, expectations were initially low. To many viewers, a movie based on the famous plastic building blocks seemed like nothing more than a marketing gimmick. But directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller proved otherwise: With plenty of humor, creative ideas, and a surprisingly emotional story, the film became a global success and laid the foundation for an entire Lego cinematic universe.
The Lego Movie (2014): The Surprising Beginning of a Phenomenon
The first major Lego movie tells the story of Emmet Brickowski, an ordinary Lego minifigure who, due to a misunderstanding, suddenly becomes the most important hero in his world. Together with the brave Wyldstyle, the wise Vitruvius, and numerous other characters, Emmet stands up to the evil Lord Business, who wants to control the Lego world according to his own vision.
What made "The Lego Movie" so special was its unique style. The film relied on animation that faithfully replicated real Lego bricks and their range of motion. At the same time, the film delighted audiences with numerous pop culture references and brought together characters from different worlds. Batman's appearance in particular – portrayed here as a self-absorbed and overly cool hero – quickly became a fan favorite.
Critics particularly praised the film's clever humor, fast-paced direction, and its message about creativity and imagination. With a worldwide box office gross of around $470 million, "The Lego Movie" became a huge success and proved that a movie about toys could be more than just an advertising stunt.
The Lego Batman Movie (2017): The Dark Knight as a Comedy Star
Due to the immense popularity of the Lego version of Batman, the character got his own movie just a few years later. "The Lego Batman Movie" puts the famous superhero in the spotlight and shows him from a completely different angle: While Batman is a brilliant crime-fighter, he is also lonely, arrogant, and unable to let others get close to him.
When the Joker hatches a new plan, Batman must learn that he can't do everything on his own. He receives support from, among others, his new protégé Robin, Barbara Gordon, and his loyal butler Alfred.
The film won over audiences with a mix of a lovingly crafted Batman parody, numerous references to the character's decades-long history, and a surprisingly emotional storyline about family and friendship. Fans of DC Comics, in particular, were delighted by the many nods to earlier Batman films and villains. With a worldwide box office gross of around $312 million, "The Lego Batman Movie" wasn't quite as successful as its predecessor, but it was also very well received by critics and audiences alike.
The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017): The First Setback
Also released in 2017 was "The Lego Ninjago Movie", the franchise's third feature film. The story is based on the popular Lego toy line and the accompanying TV series. The story centers on the young ninja Lloyd, who, together with his team, defends his hometown of Ninjago against the villainous warlord Garmadon. What makes this story unique is that Garmadon is also Lloyd's father, which means that, in addition to its action sequences, the film primarily explores the difficult relationship between father and son.
Compared to the previous Lego movies, however, "The Lego Ninjago Movie" failed to achieve the same success with critics or at the box office. Although the film offered its typical Lego humor and spectacular action, many viewers felt it lacked the special creative spark of its predecessors. With a box office gross of around $123 million, the film fell well short of expectations.
The Lego Movie 2 (2019): The End of an Era
The fourth and, so far, last major Lego feature film was released in 2019: "The Lego Movie 2". The sequel picks up several years after the events of the first film and shows how the once-joyful Lego world has changed due to the invasion of the alien DUPLO bricks. Once again, Emmet must embark on a great adventure alongside his friends. When Lucy and other characters are kidnapped by the mysterious Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi, Emmet sets out on a journey through new worlds, encountering the self-assured adventurer Rex Dangervest along the way.
The sequel also received mostly positive reviews and was praised for its creativity, humor, and emotional story. Financially, however, it fell short of expectations, grossing approximately $192 million worldwide. This lower level of success led Warner Bros. to reevaluate the future of the Lego movies.
