Since its first release in 2014, John Wick has become one of the legendary flicks with action-packed sequences, creative kills, and steely delivery of lines by star Keanu Reeves. Besides its impressive stunts and action scenes, the John Wick franchise focuses on Wick’s ultimate goal to establish his personal legacy.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick was the perfect choice for the role, and he has repeatedly proven that. His portrayal carries a strong yet understated energy that is impossible to ignore, and watching him defeat bad guys is too satisfying. It’s no surprise that Reeves is a phenomenal actor; his determination is the evidence.
If you’re a John Wick fan, you might remember the iconic nightclub fight sequence (in Chapter 2). That was the sequence; Reeves did in 103 fever.
Keanu Reeves Battles 104-Degree Fever to Shoot John Wick 2 Scene
Keanu Reeves was in high fever when he shot John Wick: Chapter 2‘s nightclub fight scene. At that time (according to the directors’ commentary), the Matrix actor was battling the flu and running a fever of 104° degrees. Chad Stahelski said:
“You couldn’t even get him to sit down.”
The director of the John Wick franchise continued:
“He just did take after take.”
These scenes were shot over two days, and yet again, Reeves successfully proved himself badass as his on-screen character. Impressive? What makes it even more impressive is how he memorized the whole scene the day it was filmed and performed it flawlessly.
Keanu Reeves was Trained in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Car Fu to Perform Stunts in John Wick Franchise
It is no secret that Keanu Reeves is very involved in the action scenes in the John Wick movies. Jonathan Eusebio, a fight choreographer and stunt coordinator for the John Wick franchise, said of Reeves:
He does 98% of everything and the other 2% are things that insurance won’t let us do.”
Maybe Reeves possesses some superhuman abilities? However, his humility in his work is so wholesome that he also gave special significance to every stunt team member by mentioning:
“If I’m doing it, it’s not a stunt. Stunt men do stunts…I get to do some physical acting. I get involved in some action but they’re not stunts. I flip over guys, I get flipped, I run, I jump, I play.”
This perspective is what makes Reeves an overall performer who played one of the hardest veteran assassins without taking standing ovations for only himself. He always gives credit to every stunt team member, despite rejecting praise despite extensive training in judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, marksmanship, and car fu.
Source: Screen Rant
