The Evolution of Action Filmmaking: John Wick and the Rise of Two Legendary Directors

The Birth of a Franchise

In the world of action filmmaking, few movies have had the impact and influence of John Wick. What started as a low-budget revenge thriller evolved into a groundbreaking franchise that redefined the genre. The success of John Wick not only revitalized Keanu Reeves' career but also launched the directorial careers of Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, two of the most highly acclaimed action filmmakers of our time.

Keanu Reeves in a warehouse in John Wick (2014)

Derek Kolstad's gripping script, centered around an ex-assassin seeking vengeance for the loss of his beloved pet, brought together the creative visions of Stahelski and Leitch. Their collaboration blended influences from film noir, spaghetti westerns, and Hong Kong martial arts, resulting in a visceral and stylish action thriller that left a lasting impact on the genre.

John with a gun in a nightclub in John Wick Chapter 4

The success of John Wick not only solidified Reeves' status as a leading action star but also propelled Stahelski and Leitch into the limelight, setting the stage for their divergent directorial careers.

The Rise of Two Visionaries

While Stahelski was the only credited director for the first John Wick film, Leitch played a pivotal role as the co-director on set, significantly shaping the movie's vision. Their prior collaboration with Reeves during The Matrix trilogy laid the foundation for a seamless working relationship, allowing them to bring their shared vision to life in John Wick.

Reeves' deliberate choice to involve Stahelski and Leitch in the film's action sequences ultimately led to their desire to co-direct the film, a decision that would mark the beginning of their directorial journeys. Despite Stahelski being the sole credited director, Leitch's contributions were instrumental in crafting the action movie masterpiece that propelled them to the forefront of action filmmaking.

Chad Stahelski: The Architect of a Franchise

Following the success of the original John Wick, Stahelski dedicated his directorial efforts to expanding the franchise, delivering a series of sequels that pushed the boundaries of action filmmaking. His singular focus on building the John Wick universe from the ground up has solidified his reputation as a worldbuilding mastermind in Hollywood.

Stahelski's close collaboration with Reeves has not only resulted in the evolution of the franchise but also positioned him as a sought-after director for blockbuster action films. While his directorial ventures have been centered on the John Wick series, he has exciting projects in the pipeline, including a remake of Highlander and adaptations of the novel Rainbow Six and the video game Ghost of Tsushima.

David Leitch: The Versatile Action Maestro

In contrast to Stahelski's singular focus on the John Wick franchise, Leitch expanded his directorial portfolio to encompass a diverse range of action franchises and adaptations. His post-John Wick ventures include Atomic Blonde, a gripping spy thriller, and the high-octane sequel Deadpool 2, which showcased his versatility as an action filmmaker.

Lorraine fighting in a stairwell in Atomic Blonde

Leitch's foray into the Fast & Furious franchise with the spin-off Hobbs & Shaw and his involvement in the adaptation of the graphic novel Bullet Train underscore his ability to leave an indelible mark on existing fictional universes. His upcoming project, The Fall Guy, a big-budget adaptation of the classic TV show, further highlights his prowess in reimagining beloved properties for the big screen.

Deadpool as an X-Men trainee with Colossus in Deadpool 2

The Legacy and the Future

As the legacies of Stahelski and Leitch continue to unfold, their divergent paths in action filmmaking serve as testaments to their distinct creative visions. While Stahelski has meticulously built the John Wick universe, Leitch has ventured into established franchises and adaptations, leaving an indelible mark on each project.

The evolution of action filmmaking owes a debt to John Wick, the movie that propelled two visionary directors into the stratosphere of action cinema. As their individual journeys unfold, the possibility of a reunion between Stahelski and Leitch remains an enticing prospect for fans of their work, with the hope that they will join forces once again to redefine the action genre.