‘Wick Is Pain’: Keanu Reeves Talks Blood, Sweat, and Bullet Stunts in the New Documentary
Keanu Reeves, known for his intense and relentless portrayal of John Wick, is about to give fans an unprecedented look behind the scenes of the franchise that changed the action genre. “Wick Is Pain,” a new documentary, dives into the brutal, blood-pumping journey of creating the iconic action-packed world of John Wick.
Wick Is Pain – The Journey Behind John Wick’s Legacy
Keanu Reeves has embodied John Wick for over a decade, and now, he’s offering viewers an intimate look at the pain, sacrifice, and sheer determination that goes into every fight, stunt, and scene. Alongside director/producer Chad Stahelski and producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, Reeves reflects on how the first film in 2014 sparked a revolution in action filmmaking, leading to a global franchise, two spinoffs, and more.
The Evolution of Action Filmmaking
“Wick Is Pain” doesn’t hold back. Directed by Jeffrey Doe, the documentary features candid interviews with the franchise’s creators, including Stahelski, who explains how the low-budget, independent film grew into a cultural phenomenon. With the creation of an Academy Award category for stunts in “Wick Is Pain”, the John Wick series stands as a pillar of modern action cinema.
“I’m excited to share and be a part of taking fans behind the curtain on the extraordinary journey of making the John Wick films,” said Reeves in a statement about the doc. Stahelski, reflecting on the series’ remarkable success, added, “It’s the fans that embraced the movie that made it all possible—and made all the pain a pleasure.”
A Raw, Unfiltered Look at the Franchise
The documentary doesn’t just showcase the triumphs but also the hardships that went into making John Wick. From grueling stunts to the physical toll on its cast and crew, the doc promises an honest, unflinching portrayal of what it takes to bring one of the most beloved action franchises to life.
“We’ve never worked harder on any movie than we have on the John Wick series. Producing a movie is always long hours and stressful times, but ‘John Wick’ turned that up to the max,” said producer Iwanyk. “And because we survived, that’s what made the movies so gratifying.”
The Worldwide Impact of John Wick
As the franchise grew, so did its impact on the careers of everyone involved. David Leitch, who also produced the first John Wick, reflected, “It’s safe to say that John Wick changed our lives. We had been waiting for the opportunity to show our vision of what action filmmaking could be, and this film and this character gave us that opportunity.”
Fans can witness all the behind-the-scenes action, pain, and success when “Wick Is Pain” premieres at Beyond Fest on May 8 before it becomes available for digital purchase on May 9. The film will be available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV, and more.
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