On October 31, during the performance of Waiting for Godot at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre, Keanu Reeves made a memorable statement in his Broadway debut by appearing on stage in nothing but underwear, covered in fake blood. This surprising moment, shared with co-star Alex Winter, offered a bold and theatrical twist to the curtain call that delighted audiences and underscored director Jamie Lloyd’s unique approach to stage endings.
Reeves took on the role of Estragon in this production, marking his first appearance on Broadway, while Winter returned as Vladimir after a long absence from the Broadway scene. After the regular curtain call, the two actors returned backstage briefly before reappearing in their blood-soaked briefs, continuing a tradition common in Jamie Lloyd productions but made striking by the presence of these well-known Hollywood stars.
The Audience’s Enthusiasm for the Unconventional Finale
The playful scene sparked excitement among theatergoers, emphasizing how live theater can continually surprise, even with performers as prominent as Keanu Reeves. Fans took to social media to celebrate the unexpected and theatrical ending. One user commented on the tradition of Lloyd’s productions, saying,
“Is it really a jamie lloyd production if someone isn’t drenched in blood by the end,”
while another praised the actors’ spirited presentation as “The best Halloween costumes.”
Reeves, primarily known for his action-packed film roles like in The Matrix and the John Wick series, embraced an expressive and self-aware performance approach, blending his dramatic presence with theatrical playfulness. Winter, his longtime collaborator from the Bill & Ted films, matched this tone perfectly, reminding audiences of their deep-rooted comedic partnership amidst the existential themes of the play.
Keanu Reeves’ First Steps on Broadway and Longtime Collaborations
This production marks Reeves’ introduction to Broadway, while Winter returns after decades away from the stage since 1979. When the project was announced, the actors jointly expressed their enthusiasm:
“We’re incredibly excited to be on stage together and work with the great Jamie Lloyd in one of our favorite plays,”
they said.
The two have shared a friendship spanning over 35 years, first collaborating in the comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. This longstanding relationship contributed to their casting, supporting the play’s central theme of friendship and connection between the characters they portray.
Winter elaborated on this synergy in an interview, noting,
“[Director] Jamie [Lloyd] remarked that our friendship, our history together, really suits the play because of the friendship and connection that two characters have,”
highlighting how their personal bond reflects the narrative’s core.
Directed by Jamie Lloyd, this fresh take on Samuel Beckett’s existential classic began previews on September 13 and officially opened on September 28, 2025. The limited engagement is scheduled to run through January 4, 2026, and has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative presentation and powerful performances.
This striking curtain call moment not only reinforces the playful spirit of the production but also symbolizes a significant milestone for Reeves, blending his serious acting credentials with theatrical boldness, hinting at a future that embraces both spectacle and depth in live performance.
