After years of silence, Keanu Reeves finally reveals the real reason he refuses to work with Robert De Niro — a clash of values and energy on set that left him deeply uncomfortable — showing that even in Hollywood, respect and peace mean more to him than prestige or fame.

For years, rumors have circulated through Hollywood’s backchannels about tension between two of cinema’s greatest icons — Keanu Reeves and Robert De Niro.

Fans have whispered about a fallout, an unspoken feud, and a mysterious refusal to collaborate that has puzzled the industry.

Now, after remaining tight-lipped for decades, Keanu Reeves is finally breaking his silence — and what he’s revealed about his relationship with De Niro has left Hollywood stunned.

It all began quietly in the early 2000s, when both Reeves and De Niro were reportedly being considered for a high-profile crime thriller directed by an Academy Award–winning filmmaker.

According to insiders at the time, the project fell apart abruptly when Reeves withdrew at the last minute, citing “creative differences.

” But behind the polite Hollywood phrasing, there were hints of deeper conflict — a personal and professional clash that went far beyond the script.

Speaking in a recent interview in Los Angeles, Keanu Reeves addressed the rumors directly for the first time.

“I have nothing but respect for Robert as an actor,” Reeves said, choosing his words carefully.

“But sometimes, you get a sense that your energies don’t align.

I believe in collaboration, in kindness on set — and when that’s not there, I’d rather walk away than force something that doesn’t feel right.”

Those who worked with both actors describe two very different temperaments.

Reeves is famously soft-spoken and humble, often called “Hollywood’s nicest guy.

” De Niro, by contrast, is known for his intense, perfectionist approach and occasionally intimidating presence on set.

“Keanu doesn’t do confrontation,” one crew member from a past joint casting session recalled.

“But when he feels something’s off — especially if it threatens the way he treats others — he quietly distances himself.”

Industry insiders claim the final straw came when De Niro allegedly dismissed one of Reeves’s crew members during pre-production talks.

“It wasn’t a screaming match,” the source said, “but Keanu didn’t like the tone.

He values respect above all else.”

Fans have reacted strongly to Reeves’s comments, praising his quiet dignity in handling the subject.

Social media has been flooded with support, with one user writing, “Keanu doesn’t hold grudges — if he’s speaking up, it means something really hurt him.

” Others speculate that the rift might not just be about on-set behavior, but also creative ethics — Reeves is known for turning down roles that clash with his moral compass.

While Robert De Niro has yet to publicly respond, a representative close to the actor hinted that De Niro was “surprised” by Keanu’s remarks, suggesting the veteran actor had not realized there were lingering hard feelings.

“Bob respects Keanu,” the rep said.

“He’d work with him tomorrow if the right project came along.”

However, sources close to Reeves suggest that’s unlikely.

“Keanu’s not holding a grudge,” a longtime friend explained.

“He just doesn’t want negativity around him.

He’s been through too much loss and chaos in life to invite more of it — even if it comes from a Hollywood legend.”

Both stars have continued to enjoy massive success on their own terms.

Reeves’s resurgence with John Wick and The Matrix Resurrections has solidified his reputation as a beloved, grounded icon.

De Niro remains one of the most respected figures in film, recently earning critical acclaim for Killers of the Flower Moon.

But despite sharing the same cinematic universe of greatness, it seems their paths will never cross again.

In the end, Reeves’s revelation isn’t just about a feud — it’s about principle.

“I don’t think of it as refusing to work with someone,” Reeves said.

“It’s about protecting peace — yours and everyone else’s.”

For fans who’ve long admired Keanu’s calm, centered way of navigating fame, his honesty only deepens the respect they hold for him.

And in a Hollywood often defined by ego and rivalry, Reeves’s quiet boundary might just be the loudest statement of all.