John Wick Director Chad Stahelski Explains His Wild Process Behind the Franchise

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Summary

  • Chad Stahelski’s chaotic working process upends studio norms, but creates profitable films.
  • The John Wick franchise’s success stems from Stahelski’s unique style and varied influences.
  • Despite nontraditional methods, Stahelski’s ability to showcase expert action choreography wins audiences over.

From seemingly nowhere, the John Wick franchise unexpectedly emerged, becoming the most successful original film series of the last decade. The key figure behind its success (apart from Keanu Reeves), has been making the rounds with the release of Ballerina this weekend, and he’s had quite a few interesting insights to share.

2014’s movie John Wick, made on a tight budget of approximately $20-30 million, proved to be a moderate success at the box office, raking in $86 million globally. One of its co-directors, David Leitch, subsequently directed films like Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and Hobbs & Shaw. On the other hand, Chad Stahelski, the other co-director, continued to sit in the director’s chair for John Wick 2, 3, and 4. Each sequel earned progressively more money. Stahelski also oversaw extensive reshoots for the upcoming movie Ballerina and was given creative control over the entire John Wick franchise by Lionsgate Films. Recently, Stahelski has been giving numerous interviews and is known for delivering memorable quotes.

In a talk with The Hollywood Reporter, Stahelski came across as an engaging interviewee, sharing insights about collaborating with studio executives and navigating his unconventional approach to filmmaking. As he put it, “Many films follow the same formula because their production process is identical.” He went on to say, “You have to challenge the status quo by asking, ‘Why?’ ‘Because they do A, B, C.’ ‘Then forget A, B, D. We’ve been bucking tradition in every department for five movies now, and it’s caused some friction.” Despite ruffling a few feathers, Stahelski’s methods have proven successful, as evidenced by the enduring popularity and profitability of the John Wick action series over the past decade.

Originally, being overly harsh was the way I handled things, but occasionally that approach doesn’t yield results. Now, I strive to be more understanding. I say something like: “Hear me out, this concept might not pan out, it’s quite unusual, let’s give it two weeks with my crew and then we’ll review a video.” Later, they often respond, “Wow, that looks impressive.” Eventually, everyone wants to claim credit for everything. However, few realize that only half our ideas are likely to succeed.

Chad Stahelski Has Spent More Than A Decade Upending The Studio System For John Wick, And It’s Worked So Far

In simpler terms, Stahelski’s unconventional approach to filmmaking might clash with the standard methods, but it seems to be successful for him and Lionsgate, despite occasional disagreements or challenges along the way. This is because he and his team have developed a unique method of working on films, which deviates from the traditional linear process.

The action sequences in the “John Wick” films break free from conventional action movie norms in a thrilling, gun-focused manner. Concepts such as indestructible outfits or a sightless assassin deflecting bullets with swords might seem too far-fetched for ordinary movies. Remarkably, the “John Wick” series, under Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski‘s skillful direction, manages to blend extraordinary scenes with realistic fight sequences and an overall gritty feel, making their outlandish world seem believable.

By merging explosive action sequences reminiscent of classic kung-fu movies, anime aesthetics, and spaghetti western ambiance, Stahelski has developed a unique visual style that, despite its unconventional process, is worth it if the John Wick series maintains its high quality. The rest seems insignificant in comparison.

Ballerina releases in theatres worldwide on June 6th.

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2025-06-06 02:43