The Shocking Truth Behind John Wick's Car Door Smash Unveiled by the Director

The director of the John Wick franchise, Chad Stahelski, provides an explanation for why two movies in the popular action series showcase the doors of the vehicle driven by Keanu Reeves being broken off. The first John Wick film, released in 2014, exceeded expectations and featured Reeves as an older assassin who comes out of retirement after his puppy is killed by mobsters. While each installment in the franchise showcases Reeves fighting his way through numerous enemies, the inclusion of vehicle stunts has always been a significant aspect of the series.

In a recent video for Vanity Fair, Stahelski delves deep into the intricacies of the action sequences in John Wick: Chapter 4, specifically highlighting the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe set piece. During this sequence, both doors of Wick's car are broken off early on, echoing a similar moment in John Wick: Chapter 2. The director discloses that there is a significant reason behind this occurrence. To hear Stahelski's complete comment or to watch the video interview, click the link below (relevant section begins at 1:29).

We devoted approximately five months to training Keanu in the art of drifting and executing car stunts, which included mastering maneuvers like the reverse 180, the in-out (also known as the 360), and the 540 drift. It's quite impressive because he can effortlessly spin the tires and drift around his opponents while holding a gun with only one hand—a skill that not many members of the cast possess. To showcase all the amazing things Mr. Reeves learned and accomplished during this extensive training period, we wanted to capture him actually performing these stunts.

In John Wick 2, we had a neat trick where we knocked off one of the doors. But in John Wick: Chapter 4, we took it a step further and removed both doors. This way, no matter which side the camera was on, viewers could easily see that it was indeed Keanu Reeves behind the wheel. Additionally, even though he is portraying John Wick, his body language adds an extra layer of authenticity and intensity to the driving sequences.

Keanu Reeves Is Crucial To John Wick's Action

Reeves undergoes extensive months of training prior to each installment of the John Wick franchise, including the upcoming Chapter 4. This training covers various skills such as combat, marksmanship, and driving, allowing the actor to perform the majority of the action himself. His proficiency with weapons is so advanced that he is capable of staying in character and resolving any technical malfunctions with his prop gun during a scene. This level of dedication and expertise is clearly showcased on screen, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the films.

Reeves' dedication to performing his own stunts in the John Wick movies allows for seamless action sequences, enhancing the audience's immersion. While some risky scenes require a stunt performer, Reeves' involvement keeps him prominently in frame without needing to cut away or conceal his double's face. This, combined with director Stahelski's innovative approach, has contributed greatly to the immense success of all four films.