Keanu Reeves was instrumental in fleshing out his character in Speed, Officer Jack Traven, according to the movie’s script doctor, Joss Whedon.

The screenwriter made his comments about the 58-year-old actor during an interview on Monday’s episode of the 50 MPH podcast, where he spoke about the production of the 1994 action feature.

The producer began by recalling that the actor, who recently reunited his band Dogstar, looked extensively into his character’s backstory and provided him with a bit of key information about law enforcement officers.

‘[Reeves] talked about [doing research for the role by hanging out] with the SWAT guys and how they were unfailingly polite. [He said that] they’re only about defusing the situation, they call everybody “sir” or “ma’am,”‘ he said.

Whedon, who has been reluctant to give interviews ever since he was embroiled in a controversy regarding his past mistreatment of actors, also stated that Reeves’ information allowed him to add deeper layers to the performer’s role.

Doing the most: Keanu Reeves was instrumental in fleshing out his character in Speed, Officer Jack Traven, according to the movie’s script doctor, Joss Whedon; the actor is seen in March

He stated: ‘That “sir” or “ma’am” gave me so much, because bluster [in action movie heroes] was the order of the day and this was the opposite. He also said, “I don’t want to pull my gun.”‘

The Buffy The Vampire Slayer creator added: ‘It was like click— that was it. I understand this character now.’

Whedon went on to speak about how he wanted to distinguish Officer Traven from other action movie leads of the time.

‘He wasn’t a hot shot, he was a lateral thinker. He was going to do what felt right and have an odd approach to it, but generally speaking, it would work out,’ he said.

The showrunner concluded by admitting that he did not pen the iconic line ‘pop quiz, hot shot,’ and attributed the quote to the movie’s original screenwriter, Graham Yost.

‘That was already in. It’s the only line people remember. But I cannot take credit for it, for it is not mine,’ he said.

Speed served as Jan de Bont’s directorial debut and also starred Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock and Jeff Daniels.

The movie received widespread critical acclaim, and it currently holds a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

An inside look: The producer began by recalling that the actor, who recently reunited his band Dogstar, looked extensively into his character’s backstory and provided him with a bit of key information about law enforcement officers; Reeves pictured in a still from Speed

Helpful: Whedon, who has been reluctant to give interviews ever since he was embroiled in a controversy regarding his past mistreatment of actors, also stated that Reeves’ information allowed him to add deeper layers to the performer’s role; Whedon is seen in 2017

Being honest: The showrunner concluded by admitting that he did not pen the iconic line ‘pop quiz, hot shot,’ and attributed the quote to the movie’s original screenwriter, Graham Yost

Talented backers: Speed served as Jan de Bont’s directorial debut and also starred Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock (pictured) and Jeff Daniels

The feature was also a success with viewers, and it grossed over $350 million during its period of release, according to Box Office Mojo.

Speed’s production team was also recognized with the Academy Awards for Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing.

The movie was followed up by a sequel, entitled Speed 2: Cruise Control, which was released in 1997.

The feature, which starred Bullock but not Reeves, was a critical and commercial disappointment.