Outcome Star Reveals Keanu Reeves Is Almost Shy — And Why She Didn’t Flirt With Him

Here’s a fun bit from the world of Apple TV’s latest original film 'Outcome': Laverne Cox recently talked about her time on set working with Keanu Reeves, and she’s got some refreshingly candid things to say — including why she kept things strictly professional (absolutely no flirting, not even a little) and what finally made her take the role after some hesitation.

Keanu: Laser Focused and Almost… Shy?

Let’s just say there’s a reason everyone has a Keanu story, and Laverne’s sounds about as “Keanu” as it gets. She described him as 'focused' and 'intense' during takes, practically zeroed in on what needed to happen for every shot. But once the cameras stopped? He’d switch gears and become — get this — pretty normal. As normal, that is, as you can be while also being Keanu Reeves.

According to Cox, when the set wasn’t rolling, Keanu would just hang out, chat, and basically keep things low-key. She actually called him 'almost shy.' Her verdict? It just 'makes you want him even more.' (Fair enough, Laverne. Join the club.)

No Flirting, Seriously

With Keanu being, well, Keanu, you’d expect at least a little harmless crush energy on set, right? But Laverne made a point of keeping it professional:

'I was very appropriate on set. I didn’t flirt.'

Apparently, you can play it cool around Reeves. At least some people can.

Laverne as Virginia: Why She Joined 'Outcome'

Cox plays Virginia Allen-Green in 'Outcome,' a film that follows Hollywood actor Reef Hawk (Keanu, in what sounds like classic “redemption arc” mode). The story? Reef tries to apologize to a laundry list of people he’s wronged while also hunting down whoever’s blackmailing him with a career-ending video. Hollywood eating itself — but make it AppleTV.

Here’s how Cox landed the role: She got an email from Jonah Hill (who, yes, is directing), asking her to come on board. At first, she wasn’t sure — 'hesitant' is the word she used — but Hill’s approach apparently won her over. He really wanted her for the film, and she thought that was “sweet” and “lovely.” She gave the script a shot and found herself hooked.

Cox was sold by how 'smart, funny, and insightful' the script was — especially Virginia’s big moment:

'Virginia gets to say some of the most prescient, smartest stuff I’ve gotten to say as a character on screen. It started as a five-page monologue.'

For an actor who’s done everything from 'Orange Is the New Black' to 'Inventing Anna', that’s high praise. She actually said she would have said yes to the whole gig if she’d known Keanu was attached from the start.

The Takeaway

• Keanu’s reputation as the most chill and mysterious guy in the room remains intact.
• Laverne Cox: champion of professionalism (even under Keanu Pressure).
• Her role in 'Outcome' was sealed by a killer script, a little flattery from Jonah Hill, and, let’s face it, Keanu.

'Outcome' is now streaming on Apple TV, so if you want to see Laverne’s “prescient” monologue and Keanu being both intense and probably shy, now’s your chance.