The State of Hollywood
Recently, Hollywood has been experiencing a creative drought, with $200 million productions floundering. Countless Marvel, DC, and high-profile films, like “Killers of the Flower Moon,” have failed to impress. Yet, as the original “John Wick” celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s clear that Hollywood missed an important lesson from the film’s success in building original franchises during the current IP-centric era.
John Wick’s Blueprint for Success
Since John Wick’s 2014 debut, the market has seen a wave of similar films, including “Monkey Man,” “Sisu,” “Nobody,” “Violent Night,” and “In a Valley of Violence.” However, Hollywood never truly grasped why “John Wick” became such a successful investment. Basil Iwanyk, the film’s producer, revealed the secret in Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman’s book, stating that the key was producing action movies with precision budgets around $25 million. This approach minimizes financial risk while allowing substantial potential returns. The original “John Wick” exemplifies this, having turned a modest $20-$30 million investment into a billion-dollar franchise.
The Perfect Star
Despite his star power, Keanu Reeves faced a career slump in the early 2010s. His role in films like “47 Ronin” and “The Day the Earth Stood Still” had diminished his appeal. However, his agent connected him with Iwanyk, who offered a unique script about a vengeful hitman. Reeves’ discipline in mastering fight choreography perfectly suited the role, making him an ideal fit for this budget-conscious project.
Thrifty Filmmaking
Directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, with extensive stunt backgrounds, played a crucial role in the film’s success. They founded 87eleven, a company dedicated to designing action sequences cost-effectively. By perfecting fight choreography and camera angles in a gym setting, they minimized expensive on-set shooting time, optimizing the film’s production budget.
Innovative Action Sequences
“John Wick” introduced an innovative approach to action filmmaking, utilizing long, unbroken takes. Although initially a stylistic choice, budget constraints necessitated this technique. By maximizing creativity within financial limits, the filmmakers created a distinctive visual style that defined the franchise.
Economical Car Chases
Car chases are a staple of action films, and “John Wick” delivered a memorable sequence without overspending. By filming in a single location, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and using accessible vehicles like Dodge Challengers and Chevy Tahoes, the production team achieved high-octane thrills without breaking the bank.
Expanding the Franchise
The first film’s success paved the way for sequels that built upon the established formula. “John Wick: Chapter 2,” with its $40 million budget, featured elaborate set pieces, improved fight choreography, and enhanced production values. The film’s financial success ensured the continuation of the franchise.
Chapter 3’s Ambition
With a $75 million budget, “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” pushed creative boundaries. Notable set pieces included a glass house filled with intricately choreographed fight scenes and the introduction of “dog fu.” The film also embraced CGI for certain sequences, enhancing its visual spectacle.
The Spectacle of Chapter 4
“John Wick: Chapter 4” elevated the franchise’s ambition further, sporting a $100 million budget. The Arc de Triomphe scene exemplified their refined approach, merging real stunts with CGI to create an awe-inspiring sequence. The film’s elaborate set designs continued to be a hallmark of the series.
The Impact of John Wick
The “John Wick” series, unburdened by pre-existing fanbases or source material, became an iconic original franchise grossing over $1 billion. Its success underscores the potential of small-scale projects to evolve into major cultural phenomena. Hollywood can learn from this journey—sometimes, it’s the humble beginnings that lead to extraordinary stories.