John Wick
John Wick is a 2014 American action thriller film directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad. The film follows John Wick (Keanu Reeves), a legendary hitman who is forced out of retirement to seek revenge against the men who killed his puppy, a final gift from his recently deceased wife. John Wick also stars Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Adrianne Palicki, Bridget Moynahan, Dean Winters, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo, and Willem Dafoe.
Kolstad’s script drew on his interest in action, revenge, and neo noir films. Titled Scorn, producer Basil Iwanyk purchased the rights as his first independent film production. Reeves, who was experiencing a career lull, liked the script and recommended experienced stunt-and-action choreographers Stahelski and David Leitch to direct the action scenes but the pair successfully lobbied to co-direct the project. Despite being nearly canceled weeks prior to filming, principal photography on the project began on October 7, 2013, on a $20–$30 million budget. Stahelski and Leitch focused on highly-choreographed, long, single takes to convey action, eschewing the rapid cuts and closeup shots of contemporary action films. Iwanyk struggled to secure theatrical distributors because industry executives were dismissive of an action film by first-time directors, and Reeves’s recent films had underperformed. Lionsgate Films eventually purchased the distribution rights and a release date was scheduled for October 24, 2014.
The film’s marketing campaign was seen as a success, changing the perception of John Wick as disposable entertainment to a prestige event helmed by an affable leading actor. The film exceeded box-office projections, earning $86 million worldwide, becoming a modest success, and earned generally positive reviews for its style and action sequences. It was hailed as a comeback for Reeves, whose character played to his acting strengths. The film’s mythology of a criminal underworld with rituals and rules was also praised as the film’s most unique and interesting feature.
John Wick is now considered one of the greatest action films ever made. Its unexpected success led to the John Wick franchise, one of the most-successful action franchises, which includes the sequels John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), as well as video games and comic books. The franchise also includes the upcoming spin-off film Ballerina and the television series The Continental: From the World of John Wick. John Wick has been influential on action films; it is seen as having revitalized the genre, and has popularized long, single takes with choreographed, detailed action.
Who Is Still Alive From John Wick?
The following talented individuals, are still alive from the movie John Wick, continue to captivate us with their presence and contributions.
Bridget Moynahan
Helen
Clarke Peters
Harry
Willem Dafoe
Marcus
Thomas Sadoski
Jimmy
Adrianne Palicki
Ms. Perkins
John Leguizamo
Aurelio
Dean Winters
Avi
Keanu Reeves
John Wick
Matt McColm
Club Goon (uncredited)
Ian McShane
Winston
Daniel Bernhardt
Kirill
Randall Duk Kim
Continental Doctor
David Patrick Kelly
Charlie
Roman Mitichyan
Red Circle Security (uncredited)
Who Is Has Died From John Wick?
The following talented individuals who start in the movie John Wick, have sadly passed away.