‘John Wick’ to Celebrate 10th Anniversary in 2024
The iconic action franchise John Wick will mark its 10-year milestone in 2024, but fans may be surprised to learn that Keanu Reeves wasn’t the original choice for the titular role.
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, producer and co-director David Leitch shared insights into the film's early days. Leitch revealed that he and fellow director Chad Stahelski first encountered the script for the 2014 film through Leitch’s wife, Kelly McCormick, who was their manager at the time.
“That was the first time we read it, and I think Bruce Willis might’ve been attached at that time,” Leitch shared.
However, the filmmakers were unable to secure Willis for the project. This led them to approach Reeves, who had previously worked with Stahelski on The Matrix trilogy.
Leitch recalled the pivotal moment: “We went back to Keanu and said, ‘Hey, man, it’s a little small for us, but what do you think about us doing the whole thing?’”
Reeves enthusiastically agreed, responding, “Yes, please. Let’s do it. How do we make that happen?”
Released in 2014, John Wick became a cult classic, starring Keanu Reeves alongside Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Laurence Fishburne, and others. The gripping plot follows a retired hitman who is forced to return to his violent past after a group of Russian gangsters steals his car and kills his beloved puppy, a final gift from his late wife.
With its intricate action sequences and emotional depth, the film launched a beloved franchise, cementing Reeves as the definitive face of John Wick.
