Die Hard, Terminator, Rambo, Kill Bill, and Lethal Weapon, these films are just some of the greatest action franchises of this generation, that have survived the test of time and can be enjoyed even today.

While these franchises are renowned for their unique traits, there’s one modern-day franchise that started as a low-budget film but turned out to be the greatest action story, ever. Period. Yes, that’s Keanu Reeves’ John Wick, and many people think that no other franchises can match its level of action, story, and box office success.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves needs no introduction in the entertainment world, as he has given a memorable performance in every role he has ever played, giving some of the highest-grossing movies such as The Matrix, The Devil’s Advocate, Speed, Destination Wedding, and many more. But when he starred in John Wick, he broke records, mesmerizing the fans with the role of a vengeful hitman. But what’s surprising is that when asked about public opinion, a fan stated if it were not for the actor, the character would’ve been labeled as a psychopath.

Keanu Reeves Saved John Wick From Being Labeled as a Psychopath

The story of Keanu Reeves’ John Wick is quite simple, it is about a dangerous hitman who sets out on a mission to kill the guy who killed his dog, his last souvenir from his dead wife. He killed it in the role, both metaphorically and literally as he decided to unleash vengeance on everyone that wronged him. The John Wick film series features numerous blood bath and thrilling action sequences which offers an adrenaline rush for the viewers.

Keanu Reeves as John Wick

As a result, when the fourth installment of John Wick hit the theatres, it was massive around the world, generating a whopping $432.2 million at the worldwide box office. Now, Stahelski and Reeves are possibly preparing themselves for the fifth sequel of the franchise but the character was labeled as a psychopath if it were not for Keanu Reeves.

Keanu Reeves with Chad Stahelski

Recently, a Redditor commented on a post in r/Movies, where a post asked, “What movie character would be completely unlikable if it weren’t for the actor that played them?” While there was no shortage of responses, a fan shared their opinion of how people would have categorized John Wick as a psychopath, who kills anyone and everyone, had it been played by someone other than Keanu Reeves.

“John Wick. Yeah, they killed his dog, but the guy is crazy. He doesn’t talk, he kills anyone who gets in his way. Were it not for Keanu Reeves, the character would just be another psycho.”

While people think that John Wick is a psychopath, who will kill anyone standing in his way, The Matrix actor believes that Wick is one of those characters who has suffered a lot. Furthermore, he commented on why he chose to play the role of a vengeful hitman going on a killing spree for his dog.

Keanu Reeves Comments On What Made Him Play the Role of John Wick

Keanu Reeves has been giving memorable performances forever, and he is very much fond of John Wick because he is drawn to characters that have had some sort of trauma. During an exclusive interview with Jake’s Tales, he states that traumatized characters are important for a good drama, help in building a gripping plot, and make the audience root for him.

A still from John Wick

“I enjoy playing characters who suffer. I think because it makes good drama, and I feel like that’s what connects us to John Wick. He keeps getting hit by cars, he keeps getting shot, he’s getting beat up, but he keeps trying to fight for what he wants and believes in.”
Nevertheless, the actor has personal struggles in real life, that includes the untimely demise of his infant daughter and ex-girlfriend, several years back. Hence, to some extent, Reeves can relate to John Wick and his struggle to mourn the loss of his dog, which helped him remember his dead wife.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is available to purchase on-demand Amazon Prime Video.

Source: Reddit