Keanu Reeves has long been admired as one of the kindest and most respectful figures in Hollywood. Known for his humility, generosity, and ability to remain grounded despite decades of stardom, Reeves is often described as someone who avoids conflict at all costs. Yet, even the “nicest guy in Hollywood” has found himself at odds with a handful of actors and filmmakers over the years.

While Reeves rarely speaks publicly about these tensions, behind the scenes there have been moments of genuine friction. From professional clashes to personal jabs, these situations reveal a very different side to the actor’s otherwise peaceful reputation. Here are six names that stand out in Reeves’ complicated Hollywood journey.

1. Matthew Perry

In 2022, Friends star Matthew Perry stirred controversy with his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. In the book, Perry questioned why Reeves was still alive when more “talented” actors like River Phoenix and Chris Farley had died young. His comments sparked immediate backlash, with fans and fellow celebrities defending Reeves.

Although Perry later apologized, the damage was done. For Reeves, the slight cut deeply—especially given his close friendship with Phoenix. Their relationship was one of the most important in his early career, and Perry’s remark felt both personal and cruel.

2. Francis Ford Coppola

Reeves’ collaboration with legendary director Francis Ford Coppola on Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) became one of his most infamous career moments. Coppola, never shy about his criticisms, openly mocked Reeves’ attempt at a British accent in the film, calling it one of the weakest parts of the movie.

While Reeves has admitted his own shortcomings in the role, Coppola’s harshness lingered. For an actor known for his discipline and effort, being ridiculed so publicly by a director of Coppola’s stature was humiliating. Though Reeves handled it with grace, it remains a sore point in his career.

3. Winona Ryder’s Ex-Boyfriends

Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves have shared one of the longest-running friendships in Hollywood. Their bond began during Dracula and has lasted for decades, strengthened by Ryder’s public defense of Reeves in moments of controversy.

But that loyalty hasn’t extended to everyone in Ryder’s life. Reeves has clashed with several of Ryder’s former partners, men he felt treated her poorly or disrespected her. While Reeves never names names, insiders suggest tension with some of Ryder’s high-profile relationships over the years. Protectiveness, it seems, can fuel quiet animosity.

4. Shia LaBeouf

During the making of Constantine (2005), Reeves reportedly had a strained relationship with co-star Shia LaBeouf. While Reeves kept his cool on set, sources claim he found LaBeouf’s brash, erratic style difficult to work with. Reeves, a methodical and disciplined actor, struggled with LaBeouf’s improvisational and unpredictable behavior.

Though they completed the film professionally, Reeves quietly distanced himself from the idea of working with LaBeouf again. The tension was never explosive—but it was enough to ensure that Constantine was their last collaboration.

5. Vin Diesel

At first glance, Keanu Reeves and Vin Diesel may not seem like natural rivals. But tensions flared when Reeves was rumored to be in talks to join the Fast & Furious franchise. According to reports, Diesel felt threatened by Reeves’ potential inclusion, worried that his calm charisma might overshadow Diesel’s established leadership in the series.

While Reeves never publicly commented, insiders say the tension made negotiations impossible. The result: Reeves walked away, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.

6. Steven Seagal

Of all the actors Reeves has quietly disliked, Steven Seagal may be the most surprising. Known for his arrogance and self-aggrandizing persona, Seagal has mocked other action stars throughout his career. Reeves, who values humility and respect, found Seagal’s attitude off-putting.

Their paths rarely crossed, but when they did, Reeves made no effort to hide his disdain. For Reeves, Seagal embodied everything he disliked about Hollywood ego and excess.

Conclusion

For a man celebrated as the embodiment of kindness, Keanu Reeves’ list of grudges is remarkably short. Yet these clashes remind us that even the most patient and forgiving figures have limits. Whether dealing with personal insults, professional disrespect, or simple differences in values, Reeves has shown that kindness does not mean weakness.

In the end, his quiet handling of these feuds only reinforces his reputation: a man who prefers dignity over drama—even when facing those he dislikes most.