How Keanu Reeves ended up in Netflix rom-com ‘Always Be My Maybe’

Always Be My Maybe is the latest Netflix romantic-comedy to prove that rumours of the genre’s death have been greatly exaggerated.

But while Randall Park and Ali Wong’s patter, as well as their script, which they co-wrote with Michael Golamco, is the key reason for Always Be My Maybe’s success, Keanu Reeves’ hilarious cameo is also one of the highlights of the film. Especially since Reeves is playing a despicable version of himself.

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How did Keanu Reeves end up in Always Be My Maybe, though?

Well, it turns out that he is a huge fan of Wong’s stand-up, while the actress/writer/comedian, also told People that she was intent on making sure that all of her character’s love interests were Asian-American men.

“It was really important to me that all of her love interests were Asian-American. And we wanted to find a sexy Asian-American man who would be Marcus’ worst nightmare if he decided to confess his feelings.”

“In everything I do it’s very important to show my attraction and desire towards Asian-American men.”

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That’s why Wong approached Reeves, whose father was born in Hawaii and is of Chinese descent, with the pair then discussing the role at Los Angeles’ famed Chateau Marmont. Shortly afterwards Reeves wrote Wong a note that read, “I would be honored to be a part of your love story.”

Wong was quick to insist that Reeves is nothing like the version portrayed in the film, though. “He’s a funny, sweet professional guy who’s really like about the work. And so much so that it wasn’t intimidating. He was very approachable.”

Always Be My Maybe is now available on Netflix, while Reeves can be heard next in Toy Story 4, which is released on June 21.