Keanu Reeves‘s status as a badass killing machine just inspired the name of a new bacteria!
The Hollywood veteran is internationally recognized for portraying various alpha males, such as the titular assassin in the “John Wick” franchise. Given his success with these action-packed movies, it is no surprise that the 58-year-old is regarded as a 21st-century icon.
However, the Canadian heartthrob’s influence has extended beyond the entertainment industry as German scientists recently honored the box office hitmaker. How did this happen? Keep reading to find out!
Keanu Reeves Reacts To German Scientists’ Decision To Name A Bacteria After Him
A study by the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology revealed the discovery of a new fungi-killing bacteria. The report published in February explained that a bacteria from the Pseudomonas genus produced a powerful antimicrobial product that was lethal against plant and human-pathogenic fungi.
The compound, named “keanumycins,” got its name from the Hollywood veteran because of its deadly abilities. In the published report, Sebastian Götze, a researcher with Germany’s Leibniz Institute, shared more about the naming process.
“The lipopeptides kill so efficiently that we named them after Keanu Reeves because he, too, is extremely deadly in his roles,” the scientist noted before revealing that keanumycins was an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
News of the fantastic discovery did not reach “The Matrix” star until March 4, when the entertainer participated in a Ask Me Anything session on Reddit. During the Q&A thread, a fan asked the Canadian actor for his thoughts about the deadly fungicide.
“They should’ve called it John Wick,” the entertainer joked before confessing the name, keanumycins, touched him. “But that’s pretty cool…and surreal for me. But thanks, scientist people! Good luck, and thank you for helping us.”
Elsewhere in the AMA session, Reeves answered other juicy questions. When a fan wondered if the 58-year-old had ever stolen items from movie sets, the “Constantine” star revealed all his keepsakes were given. The list included the watch and wedding ring from “John Wick,” a sword from “47 Ronin,” and the first red pill he used in “The Matrix.”
Although the Saturn Award winner did not regret turning down any movie roles, the Canadian confessed that he always dreamt of playing Marvel’s “X-Men” character, Wolverine. As for his favorite movie, Reeves had a mini panic attack as he tried to choose one of his stellar accomplishments.
“Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!! F**k, aaaaaahhhhhhhhh…I’ve been very fortunate to work on a few films that have changed my life. I can’t pick just one,” the Hollywood veteran confessed. However, the icon shared a few of his favorites, including “The Devil’s Advocate, the Matrix trilogy, John Wick, and Private Idaho.”
From this AMA session, it was clear that Reeves had a legion of adoring fans. While many wish to meet the actor, not everyone understood the difference between reality and fantasy. Per The Blast, the TV personality recently filed a restraining order against a delusional individual who thought they were relatives.
A 38-year-old man named Bryan Dixon kept invading the entertainer’s space, trespassing on his property while claiming to be Jasper Keith Reeves on the internet. Last November, he was caught sneaking a DNA kit into the “Shadows” co-author’s home.
Dixon’s stalking and online harassment continued for months until the “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” star filed a temporary restraining order to protect himself and his partner Alexandra Grant.
The Latest ‘John Wick’ Installment Received Positive Reactions From Movie Critics
Since the first “John Wick” movie, Reeves has received glowing responses about his portrayal of the titular character. Now, PEOPLE recently reported that the franchise’s fourth installment may be the best action movie yet.
The fourth installment follows the assassin’s battle against the organized crime organization, The High Table, and the latest criminal addition Marquis de Gramont (played by Bill Skarsgard). Other stars like Rina Sawayama, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Donnie Yen join the star-studded franchise.
Following the initial screenings of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” movie critics have been singing the film’s praises. From the action-packed scenes to the actors’ stellar delivery, there were few complaints from viewers.
CinemaBlend critic Eric Eisenberg tweeted that the movie was “epic” given its unique plot pacing that did not make the action scenes feel boring. Although he praised the cast members for a good job, Yen was the critic’s MVP.
Liz Shannon Miller shared similar sentiments on Twitter. The Consequence editor noted that the three-hour film made each minute count and teased fans about the movie’s finale, describing it as “glorious.”
