Keanu Reeves Proposed a Earlier & Grittier John Wick Demise Prior to Chapter 4, Discloses Producer

Article Overview

Keanu Reeves pitched a more violent death for John Wick's character, but the idea was shut down by the producer.

The decision to kill off John Wick in Chapter 4 was justified given the physical challenges he faced throughout the franchise.

Although there may be a potential for a John Wick 5, both the director and star are dedicated to the emotional conclusion of Chapter 4 and are uncertain about the character's future.

Basil Iwanyk, the producer of John Wick: Chapter 4, recently disclosed in an interview that Keanu Reeves had suggested an earlier and more brutal death for his character. In the latest installment of the action franchise, John Wick engages in a thrilling final confrontation with the ambitious Marquis de Gramont, culminating in an intense duel between John and Donnie Yen's character, Caine, who is nominated by the Marquis. Despite being shot multiple times, the Marquis attempts a final fatal shot, only to discover that John still has one bullet left, which he uses to defeat him. Ultimately, John seemingly dies on the steps of Sacré-Cœur and is later laid to rest next to his wife by Winston. Iwanyk shared these details during an exclusive interview with Our website, where he discussed the Oscars campaign for the movie. He humorously revealed that Reeves and director Chad Stahelski had been proposing the concept of John Wick's death since Chapter 2, even envisioning a more violent demise for the beloved character. However, Iwanyk quickly dismissed the idea.

Why John Wick's Chapter 4 Death Was The Right Call

They approached us for the second, third, and fourth movies. These films really put Keanu through the wringer, physically. It's not just a matter of shooting scenes. He spends months training beforehand. It takes its toll, like Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon, saying, "I'm getting too old for this." With each movie, Keanu feels like it's his last. We always film multiple options— one where he's completely alive, another where it's a bit ambiguous, and one where he's dead. I remember during John Wick 2, he joked about having his head cut off. Obviously, that's not going to happen! [Laughs]

Throughout the first three chapters, as well as the franchise's fourth installment, John Wick, portrayed by Reeves, has faced numerous adversaries. His resilience and endurance rivals that of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator, surpassing the likes of Bruce Willis' John McClane or Matt Damon's Jason Bourne. Given this, it might be reasonable to agree with Reeves that Wick should meet a violently definitive end to conclude his character's journey. After all, it almost seemed inevitable to dispose of him after the suspenseful cliffhanger in John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, where he was shot and fell off a skyscraper.

Stahelski, Hatten, and Finch made the right decision by choosing an emotional battle instead of a simple demise for John Wick in Chapter 4. By sacrificing himself, Wick ensured the safety of his friend Caine and his daughter. While Lionsgate may want a John Wick 5, Stahelski and Reeves are cautious about bringing the character back after the emotional ending in Chapter 4. They are determined to find a meaningful path for the character without undoing his apparent demise before considering any future projects.

Iwanyk has also confirmed to Our website that the details of John Wick 5 are still unknown, but expresses confidence in its eventual production. He anticipates that the movie will present a new chapter in Wick's life.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the John Wick franchise, I have mixed feelings about the proposed earlier and grittier demise of the character. On one hand, I can understand Keanu Reeves' desire to give John Wick a more violent and definitive end, as it would be a fitting conclusion to the character's journey. After all, John Wick has faced numerous adversaries and endured countless injuries throughout the franchise, so it makes sense that his end should be equally brutal.

On the other hand, I appreciate the producer's decision to justify John Wick's ultimate fate and give him an emotional conclusion in Chapter 4. By sacrificing himself to save his friend Caine and his daughter, John Wick demonstrates his growth and redemption, making his death more meaningful and impactful. Additionally, the ambiguity surrounding his fate leaves room for potential future projects, which is exciting for fans who want to see more of the character.

Overall, I believe that the decision to kill off John Wick in Chapter 4 was the right one, as it provides a satisfying conclusion to his story while leaving the door open for future possibilities. I trust that the director and star will continue to handle the character with care and respect, ensuring that any future installments are both emotionally resonant and action-packed.