John Wick director Chad Stahelski is setting the file straight.
Whereas talking with PEOPLE in honor of the tenth anniversary of the primary John Wick film, by which Reeves performs the titular character, Stahelski recollects his expertise working with the actor through the years.
“You see him in John Wick and he appears very stoic and really critical,” he says. “When the digicam cuts, he’s very skilled. It’s all the time, ‘Okay, how is that? What can we do to make it higher?’ ”
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However, as soon as they “land on the take,” Stahelski says the actor’s total temper shifts.
“The John Wick vibe goes in a second,” he explains. “Once you nail one thing, he is the primary man to smile, chortle and simply actually present pleasure. It’s such a contradiction to John Wick, who’s very ‘grr,’ and then you definitely see Keanu and his smile will mild up the room.”
Stahelski, who additionally labored with Reeves as his stunt double within the 1999 film The Matrix, continues to say the actor has “a whole lot of love happening,” and he believes there are misconceptions in regards to the film star — notably with regards to the “Unhappy Keanu” meme that went viral in 2010.
“What are the memes on the market? ‘Unhappy Keanu’ and lonely. … He is truly a really completely satisfied, enthusiastic, extremely constructive man,” the director says.
In that throwback viral picture, Reeves is seen trying somber as he sits on a bench by himself whereas holding a chunk of meals in his hand.
The John Wick star revealed the actual story behind the meme on The Late Present after host Stephen Colbert confirmed the favored picture to the viewers.
“I am simply consuming a sandwich, man!” Reeves stated to Colbert, who then requested him, “So you are not truly unhappy in ‘Unhappy Keanu’?”
“I used to be considering,” he replied. “I had some stuff happening. I used to be hungry.”
Stahelski additionally mentions that their standard media franchise couldn’t exist with out Reeves’ contributions. “Might you’ve executed John Wick with out Keanu? No, not the way in which you see it,” he says.
“The stoicism that John Wick exhibits can be a large a part of who Keanu is. You gotta see Keanu on set. I do know everybody hears the tales, however he’s all the time there early. He’s all the time the primary one there [and] the final one to depart.”
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To this point, the John Wick franchise has a complete of 4 action-packed motion pictures, in addition to the spin-off prequel sequence The Continental, plus a number of online game diversifications and comedian books. Stahelski and Reeves are additionally producing the spin-off film referred to as Ballerina.
Lionsgate is internet hosting particular anniversary screenings of the 2014 film with Fathom Occasions on Nov. 3 and 6. These eager to catch John Wick on the large display screen can check their local theaters for showtimes.