John Wick's action style originated from another proposed film

John Wick's fight scenes feature a unique blend of gunplay and martial arts that was initially proposed for a different star.

John Wick's unique action style was designed for another actor

When "John Wick" hit theaters on October 24, 2014, it captivated audiences with its innovative blend of hand-to-hand combat and gunplay, known as gun-fu. Keanu Reeves impressed many by performing many of his own stunts, showcasing high-level action that appeared intricate and demanding. The creative fight choreography, masterminded by stuntman Chad Stahelski and his team, pushed action filmmaking further than ever. Gun-fu had been seen before in films like "The Matrix" and "Equilibrium," but John Wick truly popularized the style. Interestingly, it was originally pitched for a movie starring Jason Statham. This background adds an intriguing layer to the legacy of gun-fu, now a staple in the series.

The success of the John Wick franchise highlights a broader shift in how action films are made and received. Combining martial arts with firearms creates a fresh narrative vehicle that blurs the lines between choreography and realism. Fans of the genre are now more receptive to these complex action sequences, and filmmakers are eager to innovate further. The backstory of gun-fu’s development shows the unpredictable nature of Hollywood, where initial rejection can lead to a cultural phenomenon years later. As franchise content continues to dominate the box office, the evolution of action styles like gun-fu is likely to influence many future projects.

Highlights

The rise of gun-fu reflects an ongoing transformation in film action sequences.