The careers of Hollywood second unit directors and stunt coordinators, Chad Stathelski and David Leitch, seem to be getting increasingly better since the theatrical release of their partnering directorial debut, John Wick, last year. The film became a box-office hit a little over four months ago and it has since led to other prospects, including re-teaming with the film’s lead actor, Keanu Reeves, for the live-action assassin series, Rain, in addition to their recently announcement attachment to direct lead actor Chris Pratt in the graphic novel adaptation, Cowboy Ninja Viking.
However, John Wick is not without its merits for a sequel considering its caliber as an original property with a riveting story of one man’s vengeful return to his old life following the death of his inherited dog and theft of his car. If you saw the film, you’ll likely understand a bit more about the prospects for a follow-up with Reeves serving one of his best action performances yet in an independently-produced feature thriller, which is why we’re finally getting some positive news fron Collider who cited the following excerpt from a recent interview with Stahelski at Movies.com:
“We have ideas for days and without blinking twice we know we can outdo the action from the original,” Stahelski said. “It’s the matter of story and how much you like the character. That’s always the most important. If there’s great action but you have a character that no one likes and doesn’t have charisma you’re not going to watch it. Look at any great action star, whether it’s Harrison Ford or Liam Neeson or Robert Downey Jr., pick a name, you love the guy first. Good action, bad action, you just love them in action. So we want to make sure we have a story and a character that everybody loves and then we’ll dress it with action that we promise will be awesome.”
Well, anyone who is anyone at this point loves John Wick. Hopefully some of these ideas will materialize and solidify things for a much deserved sequel, because now the film has a fanbase, and the prospects for a much larger franchise seem to be getting better and better. Stick around, and be sure to buy your copy of John Wick on DVD and Blu-Ray wherever movies are sold!