You can’t have ‘John Wick’ without Keanu Reeves, and co-directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch firmly believe that the iconic actor is the only one capable of portraying the titular role. A decade after the action thriller first captivated audiences, the franchise has grown into a cultural phenomenon, featuring four blockbuster films, the prequel series ‘The Continental’, video game adaptations, and a comic book series.
The journey of the ‘John Wick’ franchise, which began with humble origins, showcases the undeniable impact Reeves has had on its success. Stahelski raises an important question in an exclusive interview: “Could you have done John Wick without Keanu?” He asserts that Reeves’ stoicism is a defining trait of the character.
Image Courtesy: People
“You gotta see Keanu on set. He is always there early and the last one to leave,” Stahelski shares, highlighting the actor’s dedication and professionalism. Reeves’ role as an executive producer for the fourth film further exemplifies his commitment to the franchise. Stahelski notes that Reeves is “curious” about every aspect of production, yet he maintains a balance by not overstepping his bounds.
“He just wants to know,” Stahelski explains, emphasising Reeves’ love for the character and the franchise as a whole. This deep connection has allowed Reeves to infuse his own essence into the character, which Stahelski describes as “involvement – that kind of love – you can’t help but insert your own DNA.”
The visual and thematic elements of the ‘John Wick’ films reflect Stahelski’s admiration for anime, manga, and Asian cinema, which he shares with Reeves. Stahelski elaborates on the creative process, stating, “What you are seeing in ‘John Wick’ is everything I love.”
He praises the studio’s openness to his artistic vision, recounting the initial doubts about whether Reeves could execute complex action sequences. Yet, time and again, Reeves has risen to the challenge, proving that he is indeed the heart and soul of the ‘John Wick’ franchise.
-Sushmita Sarkar