Keanu Reeves' career gained a remarkable second wind in 2014 with the release of the action-packed film John Wick. This film not only revitalized his status as a leading man but also redefined the action genre itself. A new documentary titled Wick Is Pain provides an in-depth look at the challenges faced during the making of the first John Wick film and its lasting impact on cinema.
During a special screening of Wick Is Pain held in Santa Monica on May 8, 2025, Reeves took part in a Q&A session alongside director Chad Stahelski, producer Erica Lee, writer Derek Kolstad, and producer Josh Oreck. The event highlighted not only the film's journey from an indie project to a billion-dollar franchise but also the dedication of the cast and crew involved.
Reeves credited much of the franchise's success to its talented stunt team. "I really love being able to do as much as I can, but I don't do stunts. Stunt people do stunts," he stated, emphasizing the importance of the professionals who execute the high-risk action sequences. The audience erupted in cheers as he acknowledged the efforts of the stunt performers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
Reflecting on the film's production, Reeves recounted the initial struggles faced by the team. He shared anecdotes about specific scenes where his stunt doubles took on the heavy lifting. "They're like, 'Look at all those stunts you did' and I'm like, 'F— that, [stunt person] Jackson [Spidell] just got hit by a car twice,'" he recalled. This candidness showcases the collaborative effort that defined the making of John Wick.
Director Chad Stahelski, who was also Reeves' stunt double in The Matrix, brought his extensive experience as a stunt performer and coordinator to the project. With over 20 years in the industry, Stahelski had previously worked as a second-unit director on films like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Expendables 2. However, he admitted that the early cuts of John Wick were so poorly received during test screenings that some viewers walked out. "God, you should have seen some of the early cuts. It was pretty rough, and we didn't really find the movie until very much later," Stahelski quipped.
The documentary's title, Wick Is Pain, aptly describes the arduous process of bringing the film to fruition. Stahelski noted, "I think anything hard is supposed to hurt a little bit… Anything great takes effort, sometimes effort hurts a little bit." This sentiment resonates throughout the documentary, which chronicles the ups and downs experienced during production.
As the film gained traction, it became clear that Reeves was integral to its success. His commitment to training for fight scenes and performing action sequences himself set a high standard for the crew. Despite battling illness during production, Reeves persevered, demonstrating his dedication to the role and the franchise.
In addition to documenting the making of John Wick, Wick Is Pain also delves into the personal sacrifices made by Stahelski. The documentary reveals that the first film's demanding schedule contributed to a separation from his wife, which ultimately led to their divorce during the production of the second film. Such revelations provide a poignant backdrop to the film's narrative, illustrating the often-overlooked personal costs of filmmaking.
The documentary also tackles the creative dynamics between Stahelski and David Leitch, who co-directed the first film uncredited. It explores their collaborative process and the tensions that arose on set, shedding light on the challenges of co-directing. Both directors have maintained a strong working relationship, but the documentary makes it clear that their differing creative visions would prevent them from co-directing again.
As the franchise has expanded, there have been changes in the writing team as well. The original trilogy writer, Derek Kolstad, was replaced by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch for John Wick: Chapter 4. While the documentary acknowledges this shift, it does not delve deeply into the reasons behind it, leaving some questions unanswered for fans eager for more behind-the-scenes insights.
Looking ahead, the John Wick franchise continues to grow, with two spinoffs currently in development. One of these, titled Ballerina, is set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025. Additionally, Stahelski has teased that John Wick 5 will take a different direction, promising fresh content for audiences.
Overall, Wick Is Pain serves as a loving tribute to the John Wick franchise and its creators. It reveals the blood, sweat, and tears that went into making the series a success, showcasing Reeves as an actor who not only embodies his character but also inspires those around him. As fans prepare for the next installment, this documentary provides a newfound appreciation for the dedication and artistry that have defined the John Wick saga.
