John Wick is the cinematic action hero of the 2020s, having achieved iconic status comparable to McClane from Die Hard, Riggs from Lethal Weapon, and the T-800 from The Terminator franchise. As a legendary hitman, he abandons a life of violence for a quiet, ordinary existence. However, after his dog is unjustly murdered, he is thrust back into the chaos of his former life, leading a bloody, vengeful crusade against the Russian gangsters responsible for his loss. This compelling premise was coined by screenwriter Derek Kolstad, who spent years struggling to sell his screenplay before finding inspiration in influential films such as Die Hard, Predator, and Miller’s Crossing, along with a range of other genres, from classic westerns to animated comedies.
Kolstad’s script garnered a great deal of positive feedback, attracting the attention of producer Basil Iwanyk, known for producing action films with relatively low budgets. It was Iwanyk’s eagerness to begin production immediately that swayed Kolstad, leading to the making of what would become a surprise success. Released in 2014, John Wick grossed $86 million worldwide, reviving the action genre and giving birth to a franchise that now includes three sequels and an upcoming spin-off titled From the World of John Wick: Ballerina.
Throughout the John Wick franchise, Keanu Reeves has famously brought the titular character to life. Reeves was captivated by the film’s premise and collaborated with Kolstad on rewrites, refining the script to fit his acting style. His performance has become iconic, making it hard for audiences to envision anyone else in the role of the legendary hitman.
Almost Casting Change: Iconic Actors Considered
However, it may come as a surprise to fans that several actors were initially considered for the role of John Wick before Keanu Reeves was ultimately cast. In the early production stages, both Kolstad and Iwanyk had envisioned a character that would be in his mid-60s to mid-70s, reflecting the idea of a long-retired assassin. The character of John Wick was modeled in part on two colossal actors—Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood.
Newman, who passed away in 2008 after a storied Hollywood career, and Eastwood, who is still actively working, were both thought to be suitable for the role. Eastwood’s status as an enduring icon of masculinity made him a compelling option. Early films of Eastwood established him as a leading man in Westerns and action thrillers, where he became recognized for playing tough characters, such as his anti-hero cop Dirty Harry from the Dirty Harry franchise and his memorable role as The Man with No Name in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy.
Eastwood’s directorial prowess further cements his legacy, having won multiple Academy Awards, including those for Best Picture and Best Director for Unforgiven. Despite Eastwood’s impressive credentials, the decision was made to move in another direction for the film, primarily due to his age at the time of production, as he was 83. However, he has since proved that age is just a number, continuing to be active in Hollywood. He co-produced and directed the film Juror #2 at the age of 93, showcasing his enduring dedication to filmmaking.
The Harrison Ford Factor
Another esteemed actor in the mix was Harrison Ford, a titan in the action movie realm. Ford gained global fame as Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise and went on to further solidify his legend by portraying Indiana Jones in the iconic Indiana Jones franchise. Notable action films that featured Ford include the 1982 sci-fi classic Blade Runner and the 1993 thriller The Fugitive. His portrayal of an American president in Air Force One remains unforgettable.
At 71, Ford was considered for the role of John Wick, showing that Hollywood’s leading men have the ability to take on challenging roles at any age. Ford still continues to reprise his legendary roles, showcasing his enduring popularity by reprising his characters in new movies, including the upcoming Marvel release, Captain America: Brave New World.
While Ford certainly embodies the kind of rugged yet charismatic presence necessary for John Wick, it’s likely that he would have had to rely on stunt doubles for the fight scenes, given the physically demanding nature of the role. Nevertheless, his potential portrayal could have been something never seen before, resonating with audiences in a unique way.
Bruce Willis: The Original Choice
Lastly, Bruce Willis, a celebrated figure in Hollywood, was originally set to take on the role of John Wick. Known for his work in the groundbreaking film Die Hard, where he played the wise-cracking cop John McClane, Willis has appeared in over 100 movies, spanning various genres from action to comedy and family films. His early success in Die Hard not only turned him into an action star but also laid the groundwork for a series of sequels that continued to spotlight his iconic character.
According to David Leitch, the film’s co-director, Willis was cast in the role during the film’s development. However, circumstances led to him being replaced by Keanu Reeves before filming began. This change ultimately set the stage for Reeves to establish himself in the role that would define his career for years to come.
Though Willis is now facing dementia, which has forced him into early retirement, his legacy remains immortal within the cinematic landscape, with characters he portrayed still celebrated and cherished by audiences around the world.
Conclusion: The Legacy of John Wick and Future Prospects
The journey of John Wick has created a lasting impact on the action genre, marking an era where compelling storytelling meets intense action. The casting history of iconic A-list stars underscores the significance of the choice to cast Keanu Reeves, who brought the character a depth and presence that has become synonymous with the franchise.
As fans eagerly anticipate new installments, including the upcoming spin-off, the legacy of John Wick continues to grow, with Keanu Reeves firmly at the center of it. His portrayal has not only redefined action heroes for a new generation but has also paved the way for discussions about age and longevity in Hollywood. With each film, the stakes heighten, and audiences worldwide look forward to seeing where the journey of John Wick leads next, blending elements of hope, action, and compelling drama.