Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves is renowned for his iconic roles in The Matrix trilogy and the John Wick franchise. Reeves has now teamed up with Academy Award-winning producer Fisher Stevens to co-produce a documentary about the life of legendary American kickboxer Benny Urquidez.
Titled ‘The Jet,’ this documentary promises an insightful exploration into Urquidez’s remarkable journey. Also, Emmy-nominated sports documentary editor Jennifer Tiexiera will be involved.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Reeves stated, “Benny is a true mentor and has had such a profound yet underappreciated impact on both cinema and martial arts. I’m very excited to help share his story with the world.”
Now 71 years old, Benny Urquidez started on his journey in full-contact karate in 1974. Throughout his iconic career, Urquidez accumulated an impressive record of 49 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 3 no-contests. While some sources suggest he participated in up to 63 matches, the impact of his prowess extends beyond mere statistics. Hailing from California, Urquidez showcased his skills across various continents. He competed in diverse rulesets from the United States to Japan and even The Netherlands.
Urquidez’s renowned spinning back kick earned him the moniker ‘The Jet.’ This is because it proved to be powerful for countless opponents, sending them crashing to the canvas.
Following his retirement from professional combat sports, Urquidez transitioned into acting and combat choreography. He left an indelible mark on mainstream martial arts culture.
Urquidez graced the screens in renowned films such as Wheels on Meals (1984) and Dragons Forever (1988), collaborating with luminaries like Jacky Chan and Sammo Hung. Moreover, his involvement extended beyond acting. He also provided physical training for much of the cast of the campy video game adaptation Street Fighter (1994).
Currently in production, ‘The Jet’ documentary is slated for release in 2025. It promises audiences a captivating journey through the life and legacy of Benny Urquidez. With Keanu Reeves lending his star power to the project, coupled with Fisher Stevens’ acclaimed production prowess, this documentary is poised to captivate viewers worldwide.