When you hear the name "Keanu," you immediately think of one person, but the new comedy "Keanu" has nothing to do with the famous star of "The Matrix." The Keanu in this movie is a cat. Deco’s chief feline wrangler, Chris Van Vliet, sat down with the stars in Miami and joins us now with more.
It’s not just a movie about a cat named Keanu. It’s a movie about a cat named Keanu that gets kidnapped. It’s also the first movie starring the sketch comedy duo Key & Peele.
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, better known as the massively popular Key & Peele, have been making people laugh on Comedy Central for years.
They’re bringing their brand of funny to the big screen for the first time in "Keanu" — and the guys were in Miami, chatting with Deco.
Chris Van Vliet: "How many times have you had to explain to people, ‘No Keanu Reeves is not in this film.’"
Jordan Peele: "We can neither confirm nor deny any involvement from Keanu Reeves.
Keegan-Michael Key: "Yes, confirm or deny."
Jordan Peele: "The Keanu in this movie is a kitten and it is the cutest kitten in the world that everyone wants to get their hands on."
And that’s exactly what happens, a dangerous street gang kidnaps — or cat-naps — Keanu, and the only way to get him back is to steal him back.
Chris Van Vliet: "Is there any difference for you guys making a film versus making television?"
Keegan-Michael Key: "In the sketch world, especially our type of television, it’s wham, bam, thank you, ma’am and you’re done. And the story can get as crazy as you want it to be. And then you just try to find the best ending you can. With a movie, you can’t let the scenes go so nuts or end any way you want them to because you have to maintain the thread of the piece."
The guys say they thought about using other animals, but you can’t argue with research.
Jordan Peele: "You just do the general girl test. You just take a general population of female human women and you hold up a little puppy and they go, ‘Aww.’ And you hold up a kitten and they go, ‘Ahhh! Oh my God.’"
Keegan-Michael Key: "That’s what happens every time. So we’re looking for that reaction in the movie theater."
Chris Van Vliet: "Ahhhh!"
Jordan Peele: "The kitten is The Beatles in their prime."
"Keanu" roars into theaters April 29. And keep an eye out for a Keanu Reeves cameo. Because how can you have a movie called "Keanu" and not have him involved in some way?