Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter are most excellent in haunting 'Waiting for Godot' Patrick Ryan, USA TODAYSeptember 28, 2025 at 9:00 PM 0 Alex Winter, left, and Keanu Reeves star in "Waiting for Godot" on Broadway. NEW YORK − Strange things are afoot at the Hudson Theatre.
- - Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter are most excellent in haunting 'Waiting for Godot'
Patrick Ryan, USA TODAYSeptember 28, 2025 at 9:00 PM
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Alex Winter, left, and Keanu Reeves star in "Waiting for Godot" on Broadway.
NEW YORK − Strange things are afoot at the Hudson Theatre.
It's been 36 years since Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter first brought "Party on, dudes" and "historical babes" into the pop-culture lexicon with their delightfully daffy sci-fi comedy "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure." Now, the irresistible duo has reunited on stage for an enormously affecting if uneven new take on "Waiting for Godot," which opened Sept. 28.
Samuel Beckett's absurdist tragicomedy follows two old friends, Estragon (Reeves) and Vladimir (Winter), as they shoot the breeze sitting and waiting for an elusive figure named Godot. Donning smelly boots and bowler hats, the disheveled men crack jokes and make idle conversation, which is occasionally interrupted by the blustering passerby Pozzo (Branden J. Dirden) and his brutalized slave Lucky (a brilliant Michael Patrick Thornton).
Estragon (Keanu Reeves, left) and Vladimir (Alex Winter) patiently wait in a tunnel to nowhere.
But at the end of each day, a mysterious boy (Eric Williams) delivers the message that Godot isn't coming after all and will instead arrive tomorrow. And so, Vladimir and Estragon wearily choose to continue waiting, day in and day out.
The bleak, esoteric play is hardly the laugh riot that many "Bill & Ted" fans might be yearning for, as Beckett grapples with purpose, uncertainty and the futility of life. (Judging by the smattering of newly empty seats at intermission, the wait may prove interminable for some theatergoers.) Instead, it's like a much chillier version of 1991 sequel "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey," in which our high-school guitar heroes venture to literal hell and back.
Alex Winter, left, Michael Patrick Thornton, Brandon J. Dirden and Keanu Reeves in "Waiting for Godot."
The actors at times feel straightjacketed by the uneasy hand of director Jamie Lloyd, who astoundingly reimagined Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Sunset Boulevard" last season. Ultra-stylish yet deathly somber, Lloyd chooses to stage his "Godot" revival in what can only be described as a massive, marble funnel designed by Soutra Gilmour. Is it a hollowed-out tree? An all-seeing eye? A dystopian skate park? (Lucky's "Mad Max"-style muzzle suggests the latter.)
Reeves and Winter are often swallowed up by the bottomless void their characters occupy, with very little room to let loose and play. It's a ponderous affair that would have benefited from a director with a lighter touch. Nonetheless, Lloyd's production is handsomely realized, with striking silhouetttes courtesy of Jon Clark and unnerving sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, who add a low whirr of dread to the existential fable.
Look back at photos from his life and career, starting with a snap of him waving to the crowd for a performance on Aug. 8, 2024, by his band Dogstar at Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Keanu Reeves has spent decades in front of the camera. He's become a go-to actor for sci-fi thrillers and action hero movies like "The Matrix" and "John Wick", and has also crushed roles in comedies and kids flicks (we're looking at you, "Sonic the Hedgehog " and "Toy Story"). Look back at photos from his life and career, starting with a snap of him waving to the crowd for a performance on Aug. 8, 2024, by his band Dogstar at Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/cEgBKfI class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Keanu Reeves has spent decades in front of the camera. He's become a go-to actor for sci-fi thrillers and action hero movies like "The Matrix" and "John Wick", and has also crushed roles in comedies and kids flicks (we're looking at you, "Sonic the Hedgehog " and "Toy Story"). Look back at photos from his life and career, starting with a snap of him waving to the crowd for a performance on Aug. 8, 2024, by his band Dogstar at Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.
">Keanu Reeves has spent decades in front of the camera. He's become a go-to actor for sci-fi thrillers and action hero movies like "The Matrix" and "John Wick", and has also crushed roles in comedies and kids flicks (we're looking at you, "Sonic the Hedgehog " and "Toy Story"). Look back at photos from his life and career, starting with a snap of him waving to the crowd for a performance on Aug. 8, 2024, by his band Dogstar at Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.
" src=https://ift.tt/cEgBKfI class=caas-img>Reeves attends the special screening of "Ballerina" at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 3, 2025 in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/9hkm4Nt class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves attends the special screening of "Ballerina" at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 3, 2025 in Hollywood, California.
">Reeves attends the special screening of "Ballerina" at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 3, 2025 in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/9hkm4Nt class=caas-img> Reeves, Jim Carrey and Ben Schwartz attend a premiere of the film "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" at TCL Chinese theatre in Los Angeles on Dec. 16, 2024.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ojrvzkq class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves, Jim Carrey and Ben Schwartz attend a premiere of the film "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" at TCL Chinese theatre in Los Angeles on Dec. 16, 2024.
"> Reeves, Jim Carrey and Ben Schwartz attend a premiere of the film "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" at TCL Chinese theatre in Los Angeles on Dec. 16, 2024.
" src=https://ift.tt/ojrvzkq class=caas-img>Reeves and Chad Stahelski attend the "John Wick" 10th Anniversary Fathom Screening Q&A at AMC Century City 15 on Nov. 3, 2024 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/in4gBoc class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves and Chad Stahelski attend the "John Wick" 10th Anniversary Fathom Screening Q&A at AMC Century City 15 on Nov. 3, 2024 in Los Angeles.
">Reeves and Chad Stahelski attend the "John Wick" 10th Anniversary Fathom Screening Q&A at AMC Century City 15 on Nov. 3, 2024 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/in4gBoc class=caas-img>Alex Winter and Reeves attend the 78th Annual Tony Awards in New York City on June 8, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Alqr1mj class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Alex Winter and Reeves attend the 78th Annual Tony Awards in New York City on June 8, 2025.
">Alex Winter and Reeves attend the 78th Annual Tony Awards in New York City on June 8, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/Alqr1mj class=caas-img>Reeves talks up his new comic-book series "BRZRKR" at San Diego Comic-Con on July 27, 2024.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/pkZQAPy class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves talks up his new comic-book series "BRZRKR" at San Diego Comic-Con on July 27, 2024.
">Reeves talks up his new comic-book series "BRZRKR" at San Diego Comic-Con on July 27, 2024.
" src=https://ift.tt/pkZQAPy class=caas-img>Reeves and Grant check out the German Motorcycle Grand Prix on July 7, 2024.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/QeN69gY class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves and Grant check out the German Motorcycle Grand Prix on July 7, 2024.
">Reeves and Grant check out the German Motorcycle Grand Prix on July 7, 2024.
" src=https://ift.tt/QeN69gY class=caas-img>Reeves and Grant arrive for their standing date night at the MOCA Gala on April 15, 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/qzM1ucG class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves and Grant arrive for their standing date night at the MOCA Gala on April 15, 2023.
">Reeves and Grant arrive for their standing date night at the MOCA Gala on April 15, 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/qzM1ucG class=caas-img>"John Wick: Chapter 4" during CinenaCon on April 28, 2022, the fourth installment of the film series." style=padding-bottom:56%>"John Wick: Chapter 4" during CinenaCon on April 28, 2022, the fourth installment of the film series." data-src=https://ift.tt/cZj5QzA class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="Reeves presents "John Wick: Chapter 4" during CinenaCon on April 28, 2022, the fourth installment of the film series.">"John Wick: Chapter 4" during CinenaCon on April 28, 2022, the fourth installment of the film series." src=https://ift.tt/cZj5QzA class=caas-img>
"The Matrix Resurrections," the fourth installment of the sci-fi action franchise, released in December 2021." style=padding-bottom:56%>"The Matrix Resurrections," the fourth installment of the sci-fi action franchise, released in December 2021." data-src=https://ift.tt/MW5yo1k class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="Reeves reprises his role as Neo alongside Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity) in "The Matrix Resurrections," the fourth installment of the sci-fi action franchise, released in December 2021.">"The Matrix Resurrections," the fourth installment of the sci-fi action franchise, released in December 2021." src=https://ift.tt/MW5yo1k class=caas-img>
Reeves and Diane Keaton present the award for best original screenplay during the 92nd Academy Awards on Feb. 9, 2020.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/hfBXvRn class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves and Diane Keaton present the award for best original screenplay during the 92nd Academy Awards on Feb. 9, 2020.
">Reeves and Diane Keaton present the award for best original screenplay during the 92nd Academy Awards on Feb. 9, 2020.
" src=https://ift.tt/hfBXvRn class=caas-img>Reeves poses with "Always Be My Maybe" co-stars Randall Park and Ali Wong and director Nahnatchka Khan at the romantic comedy's premiere in Los Angeles on May 22, 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/62mpq3o class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves poses with "Always Be My Maybe" co-stars Randall Park and Ali Wong and director Nahnatchka Khan at the romantic comedy's premiere in Los Angeles on May 22, 2019.
">Reeves poses with "Always Be My Maybe" co-stars Randall Park and Ali Wong and director Nahnatchka Khan at the romantic comedy's premiere in Los Angeles on May 22, 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/62mpq3o class=caas-img>Reebves posed with his "Toy Story 4" co-stars, Woody and Jessie, at the film's world premiere in Hollywood on June 11, 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/tDvsQcW class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reebves posed with his "Toy Story 4" co-stars, Woody and Jessie, at the film's world premiere in Hollywood on June 11, 2019.
">Reebves posed with his "Toy Story 4" co-stars, Woody and Jessie, at the film's world premiere in Hollywood on June 11, 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/tDvsQcW class=caas-img>
Reeves and "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" co-star Halle Berry arm-in-arm at the film's Hollywood premiere on May 15, 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/x5em092 class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves and "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" co-star Halle Berry arm-in-arm at the film's Hollywood premiere on May 15, 2019.
">Reeves and "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" co-star Halle Berry arm-in-arm at the film's Hollywood premiere on May 15, 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/x5em092 class=caas-img>Reeves is chased on horseback by a band of motorcycle thugs in "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/YLZOju1 class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves is chased on horseback by a band of motorcycle thugs in "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum."
">Reeves is chased on horseback by a band of motorcycle thugs in "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum."
" src=https://ift.tt/YLZOju1 class=caas-img>
Reeves, with fellow actors Adrien Brody, left, and Christian Slater during the press practice day for the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race on April 6, 2010, in Long Beach, California.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Wr0QkZw class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves, with fellow actors Adrien Brody, left, and Christian Slater during the press practice day for the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race on April 6, 2010, in Long Beach, California.
">Reeves, with fellow actors Adrien Brody, left, and Christian Slater during the press practice day for the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race on April 6, 2010, in Long Beach, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/Wr0QkZw class=caas-img>
Reeves acts with Jennifer Connelly in the 2008's "The Day the Earth Stood Still."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7vRV2DE class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves acts with Jennifer Connelly in the 2008's "The Day the Earth Stood Still."
">Reeves acts with Jennifer Connelly in the 2008's "The Day the Earth Stood Still."
" src=https://ift.tt/7vRV2DE class=caas-img>Reeves acting alongside Jaden Smith.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/2q9v7eQ class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves acting alongside Jaden Smith.
">Reeves acting alongside Jaden Smith.
" src=https://ift.tt/2q9v7eQ class=caas-img>
"Constantine" also starred Rachel Weisz.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7GfBpqF class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
"Constantine" also starred Rachel Weisz.
">"Constantine" also starred Rachel Weisz.
" src=https://ift.tt/7GfBpqF class=caas-img>
Reeves in "The Matrix Reloaded" which hit theaters in 2003.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/VmbChO5 class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves in "The Matrix Reloaded" which hit theaters in 2003.
">Reeves in "The Matrix Reloaded" which hit theaters in 2003.
" src=https://ift.tt/VmbChO5 class=caas-img>
Reeves presents an award during the Oscars in 2003.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/hDVsmba class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves presents an award during the Oscars in 2003.
">Reeves presents an award during the Oscars in 2003.
" src=https://ift.tt/hDVsmba class=caas-img>
In 2001, Reeves acts in "Sweet November" with Charlize Theron.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/b5Xj1tf class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
In 2001, Reeves acts in "Sweet November" with Charlize Theron.
">In 2001, Reeves acts in "Sweet November" with Charlize Theron.
" src=https://ift.tt/b5Xj1tf class=caas-img>Reeves in 2001's "Hardball."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/gei0oP6 class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves in 2001's "Hardball."
">Reeves in 2001's "Hardball."
" src=https://ift.tt/gei0oP6 class=caas-img>
Reeves acted alongside Gene Hackman in the comedy.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/RUhs6Ll class=caas-img data-headline="See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos" data-caption="
Reeves acted alongside Gene Hackman in the comedy.
">Reeves acted alongside Gene Hackman in the comedy.
" src=https://ift.tt/RUhs6Ll class=caas-img>
1 / 45See Keanu Reeves' life, movie roles in photos
Keanu Reeves has spent decades in front of the camera. He's become a go-to actor for sci-fi thrillers and action hero movies like "The Matrix" and "John Wick", and has also crushed roles in comedies and kids flicks (we're looking at you, "Sonic the Hedgehog " and "Toy Story"). Look back at photos from his life and career, starting with a snap of him waving to the crowd for a performance on Aug. 8, 2024, by his band Dogstar at Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.
But the show's greatest asset is its stars, whose endearing real-life friendship pierces through the play's inherent despair. It's an ingenious stroke of casting that ultimately pays off, particularly in the more rollicking second act, as they volley good-natured barbs and gallows humor with the verve of seasoned tennis pros. The impish Reeves brings puppy-dog codependence to the scruffy Estragon, who leans on Vladimir as his body and memory fail him.
The "Matrix" actor suffers beautifully in his Broadway debut, although it's the revelatory Winter who will haunt you long after the curtain falls. As the more intellectual and empathetic Vladimir, Winter achingly conveys his hopeful optimism and crippling realization that Godot, in fact, may never arrive. His crushing final monologue, in which Vladimir confronts his own nihilism, is as potent as anything you're bound to see on Broadway this year.
"Waiting for Godot" is director Jamie Lloyd's latest Broadway outing after "Sunset Boulevard" with Nicole Scherzinger and "A Doll's House" starring Jessica Chastain.
"Waiting for Godot" is the feel-bad play of the fall, with transfixing performances from Winter and Reeves that help you look past the production's shortcomings. There are few actors whom we'd rather see philosophize about mortality. As Ted once said so eloquently, "All we are is dust in the wind, dude."
"Waiting for Godot" is now playing at the Hudson Theatre (141 W. 44th Street) through Jan. 4, 2026.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Keanu Reeves is most triumphant in 'Waiting for Godot': Review
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