There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Keanu Reeves did an outstanding job portraying the iconic character of John Wick. With three movies out and the fourth in the works, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role. However, a new book revealed that the protagonist was actually 75 years old!
The Iconic John Wick
John Wick is an action movie franchise written by Derek Kolstad and directed by Chad Stahelski, starring Keanu Reeves. Wick is a retired assassin that left his career to live a normal life with his beloved wife. Once she passed away, he received a puppy that was her last gift to him. A notorious mobster goes after Wick’s prized possessions and his new puppy, causing John to seek out vengeance. Wick becomes both the hunter and the hunted as a bounty is placed on his head.
Alternative Casting Choices
As it turns out, John Wick could have been a very different franchise. It’s been revealed that the protagonist of the story was meant to be 75, stepping back into action 25 years after having retired. Some of the first names that came to mind for the filmmakers were veterans like Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford. Casting one of these iconic actors would have set a different tone to the now well-known and critically-acclaimed movies.
How Keanu Reeves Got the Part
Film producer, Basil Iwanyk explained that his friend Jimmy Darmody, a CAA agent, asked if he had any action roles for Keanu Reeves. Although he clearly isn’t 75, Keanu was the perfect fit for the role as a well-known action movie star for the last twenty-five years. When he got the role of John Wick in 2014, Keanu was 50 years old. It’s undeniable that his portrayal of the role was beyond successful. The Franchise returns to screens with chapter four on March 24, 2023!