Keanu Reeves, the iconic star of The Matrix series, has opened up about his thoughts on mortality as he approaches a significant milestone -- his 60th birthday this September.

Reeves has recently offered his takes on the subjects of life and death, while also exploring a new creative outlet through novel writing, as Fox News reports.

The legendary star, who is no stranger to action-packed films, revealed in a recent interview that thoughts about death are a regular occurrence for him, especially as he nears his sixth decade.

"I'm 59, so I'm thinking about death all the time," Reeves candidly shared. He views these contemplations in a positive light, suggesting that it enhances his appreciation for both life and relationships.

“Hopefully it's sensitizing us to an appreciation of the breath we have and the relationships that we have the potential to have,” he added.

Shifting Focus from Film to Literature

In addition to his reflections on mortality, Reeves has recently shifted his creative focus from acting to writing. He is currently working on his first novel, The Book of Elsewhere, in collaboration with China Miéville, a well-known science fiction author. The novel is a new venture for Reeves, who has spent much of his career in front of the camera.

The story of The Book of Elsewhere follows an immortal warrior on a quest to find personal death, bringing a unique twist to the theme of mortality.

This concept draws on elements from Reeves' comic book series, BRZRKR. The comic has been well-received, and fans are looking forward to its adaptation into a live-action Netflix film and an anime show, both of which will star Reeves.

Creative Influences and Parallels

Reeves acknowledged that his experience in action films has influenced some scenes and themes in BRZRKR. “I think it was influenced by some of the action films that I had done,” he said.

Fans have noted parallels between the character in BRZRKR and Reeves’ personal life, observing how his real-world experiences seep into his creative projects.

Regarding the process of creating another world through fantasy, Reeves remarked on the comfort it brings him.

“Maybe ultimately the fantasy of building another world brings some kind of comfort in some way,” he explained. He believes that creativity often emerges from pain, and that creating stories provides a valuable outlet.

Connection with Alexandra Grant

Despite his creative ventures and public persona, Reeves maintains a relatively private personal life, especially his relationship with artist Alexandra Grant.

The couple has been together since 2019 and went public with their relationship that same year. Recently, they were spotted together at Germany’s MotoGP Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland, displaying their strong bond.

Grant, who is also Reeves' creative partner, has expressed admiration for his dedication and creativity. “What I love about Keanu and our exchange is that we're pushing each other to build new roads,” she mentioned.

She finds inspiration in observing Reeves’ problem-solving abilities and his hard-working nature, stating, "He's such an inspiration to me. He's so creative, he's so kind. He works so hard."

Conclusion

Keanu Reeves continues to captivate audiences, not only through his roles in films but also through his introspective views on life and new creative pursuits. As he approaches his 60th birthday, Reeves reflects on mortality with a heightened appreciation for life and relationships.

His ongoing work on The Book of Elsewhere alongside China Miéville and the anticipated adaptations of BRZRKR into multiple formats demonstrate his versatility and enduring appeal. Both fans and colleagues, including his partner Alexandra Grant, recognize and admire his relentless creativity and inspirational journey.