John Wick: what was the original title and which actor inspired the action movie nnda nnlt | SHOWS

Since the first “John Wick” movie was released in 2014, it has become one of the most popular and profitable action franchises in decades. Unlike giant productions like those of Marvel or James Cameron, the tapes that have as protagonist a Keanu Reeves they did not have an infinite budget.

He March 23, 2023 “John Wick: Chapter 4” premiered, bringing back the seemingly immortal Baba Yaga. Although this tape received 100 million dollars for its production, that was not the case with the first ones.

Nine years after its release, we tell you the secrets and curious facts that made the film about the retired assassin see the light of day.

Before continuing, take a look here. trailer for “John Wick: Chapter 4″.

CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE CREATION OF “JOHN WICK”

7. He had another title

When Derek Kolstad wrote the script for “John Wick,” it was the same story but it went by a different name. The original title of the film was going to be “Scorn”which means disdain in English, something that makes sense considering the repudiation felt by the protagonist for returning to the underworld and towards the people who killed his dog. However, the main character was called John Wick.

The person responsible for the title will be changed was Keanu Reeveswho told everyone that he was working on a movie called “John Wick”, which led the production to choose him, because they thought it was a good idea.

6. The origin of the name “John Wick”

Derek Kolstad named the protagonist John Wick after his grandfather, who had the same name. The scriptwriter said that his relative was able to see the film and was flattered to be referenced.

5. Paul Newman was the inspiration for Kolstad

Although Keanu Reeves is now the iconic figure behind the character, he wasn’t really the inspiration for it. While Derek Kolstad was developing the script, I had Paul Newman in mind in the role. Of course, it would have been impossible for the actor to play him, considering that He died in 2008 at the age of 83. old.

Paul Newman was a famous actor and movie heartthrob during the 1960s and 1970s (Photo: 20th Century Fox)

4. The first to bet on the film

Basil Iwanyk from Thunder Road Films studio he was one of those most interested in developing Kolstad’s script. The producer had previously worked with Warner, but he wanted take on a new challenge in which you could have more participation. Therefore, he made an offer to the scriptwriter, to start as soon as possible, even if they had a low budget.

3. Chad Stahelski and David Leitch came thanks to Reeves

Chad Stahelski, the director of all four “John Wick” films, and David Leitch, one of the producers, came on board thanks to Keanu Reeves. Both they had previously worked with the actor on “The Matrix”where they showed how good they were in the action genre.

Chad Stahelski and David Leitch were the directors of “John Wick” (Photo: Chad Stahelski / Instagram)

2. Keanu Reeves signed the contract for cheap

Despite having already risen to fame for his leading role in “Matrix”, Keanu Reeves agreed to sign the contract with much lower compensation than what would be given to an actor of his stature in Hollywood. The tape had a very low budget (20 million dollars), but the interpreter desperately wanted to return to play an iconic action role. He had such faith that “John Wick” would be a success that he even put in his own money so that the film would not be cancelled.

1. It was almost canceled

“John Wick” almost never saw the light of day due to financial problems. Basil Iwanyk didn’t have enough experience with film financing and, as if that weren’t enough, he had many incidents. On one occasion, he recounted that one of his investors gave him a check for $2,500 instead of $2.5 million, so he seriously considered canceling the project.

However, the pre-production team had already started working and paying them without releasing the film would have bankrupted them. They had to do magic, cutting in some scenes or special effects, while the team was revealed.

Despite its low budget, managed to raise 86 million dollars at the box office, achieving four times more than invested.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KEANU REEVES

THE EMOTIONAL MESSAGE FROM KEANU REEVES TO LANCE REDDICK, ACTOR OF “JOHN WICK”, WHO DIED ON THE EVE OF THE FILM PREMIERE

After confirming the death of Lance Reddick on March 17, 2023, Keanu Reeves dedicated a moving message to him. The actor regretted that the remembered Charon from the ‘John Wick’ saga, his friend and partner, has departed for eternity.

The unexpected news came during the John Wick 4 promotional tour. Charon was one of the most endearing characters in the gun-fu saga. For this reason, Reeves himself did not hesitate to write some emotional words for his adventure companion since the first installment of the franchise in 2014. Read it HERE.