“We’re going to make a big game. Cars, guns, jiu-jitsu. But in this chapter, we’re going up.”Keanu Reeves warns in a promotional interview!
At the age of 58, the actor is back in his John Wick costume for an even crazier action-packed fourth installment. Indeed, in the 2 hours and 49 minutes of the film, there are 14 action sequences, that is, 4 times more than the previous parts.
These 14 scenes were overseen by five stunt/fight choreographers led by stunt coordinator Scott Rogers. The production involved stuntmen from Japan, France, Bulgaria, Germany and the United States.
To achieve such success at the age of almost 60, Keanu Reeves has been training hard since his first feature film. According to the comedian, he performs 90% of his own stunts, which, like Tom Cruise, excites the public.
Keanu’s martial arts expert
Already experienced in many styles of martial arts, Keanu Reeves spent several months with Jiu-Jitsu experts the Machado brothers. They taught him their own form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“John Wick’s fighting style is basically self-defense or attack by all means. He combines judo with jiu-jitsu and even goes so far as to use a car as a weapon.”– explains the actor.
Keanu Reeves fight training in John Wick 2
Keanu Reeves learned judo and Japanese and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, five days a week and eight hours a day, in order to make the Saga feature films.
Thus, by the time filming of Episode 4 began, he was ready to fight, giving his all in the fight choreography, especially with martial arts master Donnie Yen.
Baba Yaga may be an expert in close combat, but she’s also a master at wielding bladed weapons and firearms. So Keanu had to train hard to master these tools as well as possible and make his character believable.
“Cars, guns, blades…I need to know the basics”– says the artist. Jackson Speedell, Keanu’s stunt double, says the actor went through a three-point training session with the gun.
Gun Handling by Keanu Reeves
“Draw quickly, switch weapons and chain kicks. Japanese and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, tactical shooting and standing judo. All these together add up to what is called gun-fu.”– says director Chad Stahelski.
“Keanu is an absolute professional”Hammer stunt coordinator Scott Rogers. The way he handles the gun is totally believable.
Preparation for action 8 months
In addition, the actors and stuntmen spent 7 months perfecting the action scenes, on an unparalleled scale, so that they could be performed in complete safety. Although Keanu Reeves has been training for combat for almost 30 years, he had been rigorously preparing for the specific needs of this shoot for nearly 8 months prior to the shoot.
For this new chapter, in addition to the martial arts he had already mastered, he had to learn nuchaku for an absolutely mind-blowing fight scene.
“I’ve never seen an actor fight like Keanu”– says Scott Rogers. “He can jump, drive and fire better than any stuntman I know. He’s very impressive.”
Behind the scenes of Cascades
“When you’re in the John Wick saga, you give 100%. Keanu is one of the first actors and stuntmen to come to the gym and one of the last to do so. Come back. He’s not coming. Save time. Keanu portrays John Wick in every fiber of his being.”Stunt coordinator Stephen Dunleavy testifies.
On John Wick 4, Dave Camarillo collaborated with Reeves to improve the comedian’s judo and jujitsu moves. “Dave is a legend in both disciplines, he works with the American Kickboxing Academy, has been part of championship teams and is an instructor in the military.”– says Keanu Reeves.
“He allowed me to review the basics and progress through his skills and will. I am very grateful to him.”– says the actor.
horses and cars
The latter also trained in precise riding and riding. “During the various films, John knows how to express himself in sign language, in Russian, and in the fourth part he speaks a little Japanese. I continue to learn new skills.”Analyzes the artist.
In addition, Reeves trained for 9 months to perfect his driving skills, which impressed everyone on set, starting with Chad Stahelski. “No actor in Hollywood drives better than Keanu because he trains relentlessly”– says the director.
To bring us the great show that is John Wick, Keanu Reeves spared no effort and outdid himself even more than in previous episodes! And all at 58!
John Wick 4 hits theaters on March 22.
Our Voice Oof with Jean-Pierre Michael, Keanu Reeves
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
