Keanu Reeves portrayed Sage in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, a third film based on the popular Nickelodeon character SpongeBob SquarePants. 

The first fully CGI movie in the franchise depicted Reeves' live-action cameo as a magic tumbleweed, where a bushy sage encapsulated his real-life head. "I'm made out of sage, and I am a sage," he introduced himself to the undersea creatures in the movie. 

The almost 2-hour-long comedy chronicled Sage's typical nature of a shrewd character, giving words of wisdom to SpongeBob as he embarked on a new adventure at the Bikini Bottom. 

The yellow sea sponge and his dimwitted starfish best friend, Patrick Star, spearheaded a rescue mission to save SpongeBob's beloved pet snail, Gary, who got abducted by King Poseidon and was taken to the Atlantic City. 

It's no surprise the role of enlightened Sage perfectly matched the real-life calm and spiritual persona of Reeves, given the film's writer drew inspiration from The Matrix actor to make the character in the first place. 

Tim Hill Wrote the Character for Keanu Reeves

Tim Hill, the animated film's writer and also director, disclosed he built the character of Sage for Reeves in an interview with Cinema Blend in March 2021. In his own words, the Hollywood powerhouse was the only option for the character.

The screenwriter kept the actor on his mind as he made stories for the role. Moreover, the team had already made little drawings of Reeves as Sage long before he agreed to be on the film.

Of course, the plan would have gone in vain if Reeves had declined, but it hit the jackpot as the John Wick star, known for his humbleness and openness to all opportunities, accepted the project. 

We were building a lot of momentum, and we were lucky he agreed.

Other A-list celebrities who graced the movie with their voiceovers were Snoop Dogg, Tiffany Haddish, Awkwafina, Tom Kenny, and Bill Fagerbakke, among others.

It is safe to say that the production team was lucky with Snoop Dogg as well.

They imagined Dogg playing the cowboy gambler rapper and sorely wanted him to play the character. Thankfully, the rapper had no objection to being a part of the family-friendly drama. 

Reeves' Upcoming Projects

Reeves' all-welcoming attitude towards every role has, undoubtedly, proven his caliber as a versatile actor. From cameos in animated films to music videos, and video games, he has left no stone unturned, leaving his fans curious about his following projects. 

Apart from all that, the 56-year-old rules the John Wick franchise and The Matrix universe. Fortifying his legacy further, Reeves will return as Neo in The Matrix 4. 

He will also reprise his role as the legendary hitman in the fourth installment, John Wick 4, set to be released in 2022. In the film, he will be up against a new foe, played by Chilean actor and martial artist Marko Zaror. 

Also, Reeves is set to portray a new character as John Rain in the TV mini-series, Rain, which will make its way to television in 2022.