John Wick Directors Reveal Why ‘No Other Person’ But Keanu Reeves Could Play the Iconic Character

John Wick resonates well with many action movie fans given how convincingly Keanu Reeves has played the uncompromising hitman. The co-directors of the original 2014 film insist that “no other person” can play the lead character, for several reasons.

Speaking with People about the 10th anniversary of John Wick, co-helmers Chad Stahelski and David Leitch shared why they believe Reeves was the ideal choice to portray the eponymous assassin from the start. According to Stahelski, Reeves’ real-life personality traits blend well with the chief protagonist, making Wick believable every time he appears on-screen. “The stoicism that John Wick shows is really a big part of who Keanu is. You gotta see Keanu on set,” Stahelski said. “I know everyone hears the stories, but he is always there early. He is always the first one there [and] the last one to leave.” Stahelski added that Reeves “loves the property, loves the character, loves the work.”

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Leitch also thinks Reeves perfectly embodies Wick, having proven himself as a bonafide action franchise leader in The Matrix. Reeves’ emotional and physical traits make him the right man to play Wick in Leitch’s eyes, making him irreplaceable. “There really is no other person that could play John Wick,” he said. “He brings, obviously, the passion, the physicality, and there’s just this undeniable emotional quality to him, where you feel for him, and he pulls at your heartstrings.”

Reeves’ turn as Wick nearly never came to fruition, as Lionsgate executives weren’t fans of his grizzled appearance and early test screenings of the movie weren’t received well. However, the first movie became a cult classic thanks to its critical and commercial success, launching an extensive franchise that has fostered several sequels and spinoffs. The most recent John Wick sequel, Chapter 4, helped the film series reach its apex, grossing $440 million worldwide and adding to its revered status, with Reeves executive producing the film.

“It’s pretty flattering, you know. We’re in on the joke. We get it. We can’t believe we’re still here. It’s a big thing just to have fans of the franchise and of the property, and people that love Keanu and love the character, and the fact that we get to keep living in that world and doing it, it is pretty cool,” Stahelski said.

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Lionsgate is developing John Wick 5. The script is being worked on, though cameras won’t get rolling on it anytime soon given Stahelski has other projects he’s prioritizing. Stahelski recently said he’d gladly return for another installment alongside Reeves. However, the story has to make sense for him to do it.

The John Wick Franchise Is Expanding

Stahelski is overseeing an expansion of the John Wick franchise at Lionsgate. Several new projects are in the works, including a sequel series starring Reeves and TV spinoffs based on some supporting characters. There is also the upcoming Ballerina film, set between Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, which stars Ana de Armas and features appearances from Reeves, Ian McShane and the late Lance Reddick.

Fans can celebrate John Wick‘s 10th anniversary as it returns to select theaters on Nov. 3 and Nov. 6.

Source: People

John Wick

Dive into the world of a retired hitman pulled back into the brutal underworld he left behind, igniting a relentless crusade for revenge.

Created by

Derek Kolstad

Upcoming Films

John Wick: Chapter 5

First Episode Air Date

September 22, 2023

Cast

Keanu Reeves , Laurence Fishburne , Ian McShane , Lance Reddick , Halle Berry , John Leguizamo , Donnie Yen

Spin-offs (Movies)

Ballerina (2023)

Video Game(s)

Payday 2 , John Wick Hex

Expand