Keanu Reeves has been John Wick for more than a decade. And now, the franchise star is taking fans behind the scenes of how the films are made. Documentary “Wick Is Pain” features Reeves, director/producer Chad Stahelski, and producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee as they discuss how the 2014 film spurred four sequels (a fifth film was recently announced), two spinoffs, two series, and more.
“John Wick” began as an independent film, and went on to famously change modern action filmmaking. Now, the franchise has become one of the inspirations for a new Academy Award category for stunts. “Wick Is Pain” is directed by Jeffrey Doe, and produced by Josh Oreck, Gabriel Roth, and Matthew Sidle, with Tina Carter executive producing.
“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,” Reeves said of the documentary.
Stahelski added, “We had an idea for a low-budget independent movie. Looking back now, more than ten years later, it’s hard to believe what that idea became. It’s the fans that embraced the movie that made it all possible — and made all the pain a pleasure.”
Doe shared that Stahelski encouraged him to “keep it honest” while filming the doc. The director credited the “Wick” team for having “bold candor” in interviews, leading to a “raw, unflinching” film about the making of a beloved movie.
Iwanyk agreed, saying, “We have 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 — and because we survived, that’s what made the movies so gratifying.”
David Leitch, who also produced “John Wick,” cited how the first film impacted his career. “It’s safe to say that John Wick changed our lives, for everyone involved,” Leitch said. “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. Thank you, Mr. Wick.”
The film will premiere at Beyond Fest at the American Cinematheque on May 8 before being available to buy on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, YouTube, Microsoft Movies & TV, and Comcast Xfinity May 9. The pre-orders start May 1.
“The phenomenal success of the ‘John Wick’ franchise demonstrates what happens when filmmakers deliver everything fans wish for in a movie viewing experience: emotionally impactful storytelling, one of the most beloved actors of his generation, characters the audience cares about, and a next-level approach to every aspect of filmmaking,” Adam Fogelson, chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said. “I am so excited for our fans to get this unprecedented glimpse into the incredible story of how those ingredients came together to form the franchise they know and love.”
The latest “John Wick” universe installment is “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas as an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma. Len Wiseman directs, with Iwanyk, Lee, and Stahelski producing. Reeves also stars. “Ballerina” will be released on June 6, before “John Wick: Chapter 5” and the Donnie Yen-led spinoff films. Lionsgate is also developing series “John Wick: Under the High Table,” which Stahelski and Reeves are executive producing. Until then, “Wick Is Pain” is the next feast for John Wick fanatics.
“Wick Is Pain” will be released by Lionsgate on participating digital platforms for purchase starting May 9. Check out the trailer below.
