Are Keanu Reeves and John Wick the Same Age?

The Birth of John Wick

The John Wick franchise, created by Derek Kolstad and directed by Chad Stahelski, has become a neo-noir sensation in the world of action movies. With four movies released and more potential projects on the way, the franchise has expanded to include a TV prequel series, The Continental, and an upcoming spinoff film, Ballerina. The first film introduces the legendary assassin, John Wick, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, who comes out of retirement seeking vengeance for the death of his dog. The franchise has excelled at creating a compelling and immersive world for fans to explore.

John Wick's file showing Keanu Reeves' photo and his date of birth in John Wick Chapter 4

Keanu Reeves, the actor behind the character, has had a prolific career spanning four decades. Known for his versatility, Reeves has starred in various genres, including romantic comedies, horror, dramas, and iconic franchises like The Matrix and John Wick. However, it is his action movies that have truly showcased his talents, with films like Speed, Point Break, and Street Kings solidifying his status as an action star.

Keanu Reeves holding a samurai sword in John Wick

The Age Paradox

The first John Wick movie, released in 2014, marked a unique alignment between Keanu Reeves and his character. At the time of filming, Reeves was 49 years old, and the character of John Wick was also 50 years old, sharing the same birthdate as the actor. This rare coincidence was a fitting tribute to Reeves, given the significance of the role in his career.

John Wick (Keanu Reeves) on a subway train in John Wick: Chapter 4.

However, as the franchise progressed, the age gap between Keanu Reeves and John Wick became more apparent. While the character's age remained constant, Reeves aged with each installment. In the second film, he was 53, in the third, 55, and in the fourth, 59 years old. This divergence in age added an intriguing layer to the portrayal of the character and the passage of time within the franchise.

Keanu Reeves with a bloody face in John Wick: Chapter 2.

The Evolution of John Wick

Interestingly, John Wick's age was initially conceptualized differently. According to franchise producer Basil Iwanyk, the character was originally intended to be 75 years old, a stark contrast to Reeves's age at the time. Reeves, however, embraced the role despite the age disparity, emphasizing his commitment to portraying the character at a younger age. This decision resulted in the character maintaining a consistent age of 50 throughout the four films, defying both the original concept and Reeves's actual age.

John Wick (Keanu Reeves) Looking Off-Camera in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum