Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Original Script Had Only 3 Kill Count Until Director Chad Stahelski Helmed The Project: “We Try To Get This Balletic Kind Of Dance, Live Performance Feel To Everything”

Keanu Reeves is mostly known for his action-packed performances, as many of his movies are tight-packed with high-flying martial arts set pieces. While the actor has been a part of many big entertainment franchises, John Wick stands out as the titular character as it has given immense fame to the actor. As the actor has played the role for over a decade, the recently released fourth instalment received critical acclamation and also made big numbers at the Box Office.

From 3 Kills to 439: Evolution of John Wick’s Kill Count

The original script for Keanu Reeves' iconic character, John Wick, initially featured just three kills. However, with the arrival of director Chad Stahelski, the film underwent a dramatic transformation, showcasing intense action sequences and an ever-increasing kill count. Stahelski aimed to create a balletic and live performance-like experience, resulting in the John Wick franchise's success. Explore the evolution of the script and the director's vision for the films.

The movie has seen many gruesome action set pieces, and many wonder how many kills the titular character holds. By the end of the fourth movie, the kill count of Reeves’ John Wick stands at a jaw-dropping 439. However, when the movie was first planned, the original script had fewer kills than anyone could imagine. Read on to find out more about it!

Director Chad Stahelski’s Influence

Comicbook.com reports that the Keanu Reeves starrer John Wick movies were not planned as they are right now. It was until the director Chad Stahelski took over the project and evolved it to the point of hour-long blood baths. While talking about the original idea of the movie, the director once revealed, “It was much more contained. I think only three people died in the original script, two were in a car crash. It was very, very minimal, and it was slightly different.”

Transforming the Script into an Action-Packed Franchise

As shocking as it may sound, but the earliest iteration of the John Wick script only had a handful of deaths. Director Chad Stahelski added, “I read it, and I’d always had this idea about Greek mythology and how to tell more a fablestic kind of story, make a surreal action movie so it wasn’t so grounded and grey, just something different.” Stahelski’s vision and creativity transformed the script into a thrilling and action-packed franchise.

Balletic Choreography and Live Performance Feel

Director Chad Stahelski revealed how people would joke about his kill count, but he proved everyone wrong. “I choreograph with my guys and stuff, we just choreograph motion and set pieces, and we try to get this balletic kind of dance, live performance feel to everything,” added Stahelski. The carefully crafted choreography and attention to detail in the action sequences contribute to the unique and captivating experience of watching John Wick.

Future of John Wick Franchise

The original script for Keanu Reeves' iconic character, John Wick, initially featured just three kills. However, with the arrival of director Chad Stahelski, the film underwent a dramatic transformation, showcasing intense action sequences and an ever-increasing kill count. Stahelski aimed to create a balletic and live performance-like experience, resulting in the John Wick franchise's success. Explore the evolution of the script and the director's vision for the films.

While the fifth John Wick film is said to be in the works with Keanu Reeves returning to the role, audiences eagerly anticipate the continuation of the thrilling franchise.

The original script for Keanu Reeves’s John Wick had only 3 kills until director Chad Stahelski helmed the project and transformed it into an action-packed franchise with a high kill count. Stahelski’s vision and choreography brought a balletic and live performance feel to the movies, captivating audiences worldwide. The success of the series has led to the anticipation of the fifth installment, promising more thrilling adventures for the iconic character.


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