Editing Speed (1994 film) (section)

===Casting===
When ''Speed'' was under development at [[Paramount Pictures]], [[Jeff Speakman]] was originally attached to star in the lead role. However, after the project was acquired by [[20th Century Fox]], Speakman was dropped.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Art of Action: Episode 17 Jeff Speakman |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psO6_gwHtio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115231433/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psO6_gwHtio&feature=youtu.be |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=9 February 2021 |website=YouTube | date=September 29, 2020 |publisher=[[Scott Adkins]] |time=41:30}}</ref> [[Stephen Baldwin]] was initially offered the role of Jack Traven but declined, citing the character’s similarity to [[John McClane]] from ''[[Die Hard]]'' (1988).<ref name="Gerosa" /> [[Richard Grieco]] also turned down the role, later expressing regret over his decision.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/richard-grieco-if-looks-could-kill-mobsters-1991-speed-150040202.html | title=30 years after 'If Looks Could Kill,' Richard Grieco reflects on young stardom — and the 1 blockbuster he regrets turning down | date=March 25, 2021 }}</ref> Other actors considered for the part included [[Tom Cruise]], [[Tom Hanks]], [[Wesley Snipes]], and [[Woody Harrelson]].<ref name="ew 20th yost" /> Director [[Jan de Bont]] ultimately cast [[Keanu Reeves]] after seeing his performance in ''[[Point Break]]'' (1991), believing that Reeves projected a balance of vulnerability and strength.<ref name="Gerosa" /> Reeves underwent physical training and shaved his head for the role, a decision that initially concerned the studio.<ref name="Gerosa" />

The character of Annie was originally written as an [[African Americans|African American]] [[paramedic]] to justify her ability to drive the bus. The role was first offered to [[Halle Berry]], who declined, but later expressed regret over her decision.<ref name="ew 20th yost" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 30, 2019 |title=Halle Berry Shares Which Role She Almost Took From Sandra Bullock (Exclusive) &#124; Entertainment Tonight |url=https://www.etonline.com/halle-berry-shares-which-role-she-almost-took-from-sandra-bullock-exclusive-124372 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103220227/https://www.etonline.com/halle-berry-shares-which-role-she-almost-took-from-sandra-bullock-exclusive-124372 |archive-date=January 3, 2023 |access-date=January 3, 2023 |website=www.etonline.com}}</ref> As the character evolved into a comic relief sidekick, [[Ellen DeGeneres]] was considered for the part.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Bierly |first=Mandi |date=June 10, 2014 |title='Speed' 20th anniversary: Screenwriter Graham Yost looks back |url=https://ew.com/article/2014/06/10/speed-20th-anniversary-graham-yost/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518002915/https://ew.com/article/2014/06/10/speed-20th-anniversary-graham-yost/ |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2019 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Eventually, the role was rewritten as a love interest for Jack Traven, leading to the casting of [[Sandra Bullock]]. Bullock auditioned alongside Reeves to ensure their on-screen chemistry, which involved performing physically demanding scenes.<ref name="Svetkey">{{cite magazine |last=Svetkey |first=Benjamin |date=July 22, 1994 |title=Overdrive |url=https://ew.com/article/1994/07/22/sandra-bullocks-career-hits-high-gear/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421110524/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,303034,00.html |archive-date=April 21, 2009 |access-date=November 11, 2022 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> [[Meryl Streep]], [[Kim Basinger]], and [[Anne Heche]] were also offered or considered for the role but declined.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2014 |title=Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves and Jan de Bont look back at 'Speed' 20 years later |url=https://uproxx.com/hitfix/sandra-bullock-keanu-reeves-and-jan-de-bont-look-back-at-speed-20-years-later/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921230807/https://uproxx.com/hitfix/sandra-bullock-keanu-reeves-and-jan-de-bont-look-back-at-speed-20-years-later/ |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |access-date=September 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Anne Heche on Being Blacklisted for Coming Out, Talks Differences Between Her & Ellen's Experiences |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm5OAYXzqiY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812210937/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm5OAYXzqiY |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]| date=November 19, 2021 }}</ref>