June 10: Speed (1994)

Milestone Years

• 35th Anniversary: June 10, 2029
• 40th Anniversary: June 10, 2034
• 50th Anniversary: June 10, 2044

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Writer Graham Yost was inspired by the 1985 film Runaway Train, which his father had described as featuring a bomb on board. Upon discovering that wasn’t the case, Yost envisioned a more intense scenario involving a bomb-rigged bus that would explode if its speed dropped below 50 mph. This concept became the foundation for Speed.

You Might Not Know

• Bus Jump Scene: The iconic bus jump was filmed on an actual freeway ramp; the gap was added digitally in post-production.
• Keanu Reeves’ Transformation: Reeves underwent extensive physical training and cut his hair short to portray Jack Traven convincingly.
• Sandra Bullock’s Commitment: Bullock obtained a real bus driver’s license to prepare for her role as Annie Porter.
• Script Rewrites: Joss Whedon contributed uncredited rewrites, crafting approximately 98.9% of the final dialogue.
• Director’s Debut: Speed marked Jan de Bont’s directorial debut after his work as a cinematographer on films like Die Hard.

Food Ideas

• LA Street Tacos: Celebrate the film’s Los Angeles setting with classic carne asada or al pastor tacos.
• Speedy Sliders: Mini burgers that can be quickly assembled and consumed during the action-packed viewing.
• Popcorn with a Kick: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to popcorn for a spicy twist.
• Bombshell Brownies: Decadent chocolate brownies with a molten center, symbolizing the film’s explosive theme.
• 50 MPH Mocktails: Create a high-energy, caffeine-free drink to keep the adrenaline pumping.

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a 90s Action Movie Marathon: Pair Speed with other 90s classics like Die Hard and Point Break.
• Costume Party: Dress up as characters from the film, such as Jack Traven or Annie Porter.
• Trivia Night: Test your knowledge of Speed and other action films with a themed quiz.
• DIY Bus Decoration: Transform a room or space to resemble the film’s iconic bus setting.
• Soundtrack Listening Session: Enjoy Mark Mancina’s score and Billy Idol’s title track to relive the film’s energy.

Filming Locations

Speed was primarily filmed in and around Los Angeles, California. Key locations include:

• I-105 Freeway: Used for many of the bus scenes, including the famous jump sequence.
• Mojave Airport and Spaceport: Stood in for LAX during the airport scenes.
• Pershing Square Station: Featured in the film’s subway climax.
• Ocean Park Boulevard and Main Street: Where Annie boards the bus.
• Hollywood Boulevard: The subway train bursts onto the street near the TCL Chinese Theatre.