Keanu Connection

Downtown stroll for Keanu

By DARREN PARKMAN, 24 HOURS

A barely recognizable A-list star went pretty much unnoticed by most passersby in Vancouver recently. Keanu Reeves, donning a big bushy beard, was spied struggling through a workout session in a downtown gym, before later being spotted strolling near the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Reeves has arrived in town to headline a new remake movie called The Day the Earth Stood Still, which kicked off production this week. Reeves plays the title character of Klaatu in the sci-fi epic, which centres around a strange alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart. Stunning Jennifer Connelly and veteran actress Kathy Bates round out the cast. The big- budget flick will be in production here through mid-March.