As ‘John Wick’ celebrates a decade since its explosive debut, new revelations shed light on how close Bruce Willis was to playing the now-iconic assassin instead of Keanu Reeves. Co-director and producer David Leitch recently shared insights about the film.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Leitch revealed surprising details about the film’s early development. He talked about the casting considerations that could have changed the trajectory of the action franchise. Here’s everything he said.
‘John Wick’ Director Reveals Bruce Willis Was The First Preference For The Role
Released on October 24, 2014, ‘John Wick’ became a sleeper hit, known for its relentless action, and, let’s be honest, Keanu Reeves! Yet, the film’s journey could have taken a different path. According to David Leitch, when he and co-director Chad Stahelski first encountered the script, it came with an unexpected association.
“That was the first time we read it, and I think Bruce Willis might’ve been attached at that time,” Leitch revealed. At the time, Willis was still a commanding force in the action genre, known for roles in ‘Die Hard’, ‘The Fifth Element’, and ‘RED’. So, he was considered a natural fit for the role of John Wick, a retired hitman seeking revenge after a gang of intruders killed his beloved dog.
Related: Keanu Reeves To Reprise His Iconic Role In Spin-Off Series ‘John Wick: Under The High Table’
However, this didn’t go forward as Willis backed off. So, Leitch and Stahelski went to Keanu, whom they knew from ‘The Matrix’, to ask for a “big favor.” “We went back to Keanu and said, ‘Hey, man, it’s a little small for us, but what do you think about us doing the whole thing? And he was like, ‘Yes, please. Let’s do it. How do we make that happen?‘” Leitch recalled.
Willis’ intense screen presence and brooding charisma could have taken the character in a different, more hardened direction. Moreover, his revelation adds a fascinating twist to the story behind John Wick’s creation. The idea of Willis in the title role paints an intriguing picture of what John Wick might have become. However, it’s safe to say that Keanu Reeves was the perfect fit.
Keanu Reeves Was The Perfect John Wick
While the idea of Bruce Willis portraying John Wick is captivating, it’s difficult to imagine anyone other than Keanu Reeves in the role. Reeves brought a unique combination of vulnerability and lethal precision to the role. His portrayal deeply resonated with the audience.
In case you missed it: Donnie Yen To Reprise His Role In ‘John Wick’ Spin-Off Movie About Blind Assassin Caine
Moreover, his background in martial arts and commitment to practical stunts elevated the film. Stahelski and Leitch’s decision to collaborate with Reeves undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the movie’s tone and success. The two had previously worked with Reeves on ‘The Matrix’.
Reeves’ portrayal of Wick was not only physically imposing but also emotionally gripping. However, Bruce Willis’ retirement from acting in 2022 due to his diagnosis of aphasia makes the revelation bittersweet. Still, the story of John Wick serves as a testament to how the right actor at the right time can change a film’s course forever.
