Actor and first time director Keanu Reeves has a few new films coming out this year, which include the upcoming Japanese samurai epic, 47 Ronin, and his cinematic martial arts directorial debut, Man Of Tai Chi. With these in mind, action continues to be consistent theme in Reeves’ career as he is now slated to star in an upcoming hitman thriller from producer Basil Iwanyk of Thunder Road titled, John Wick, based on a screenplay by Derek Kolstad.
According to details reported at Screendaily, the film will headline a story about a former hitman who is driven back to his killer instincts when a thug steals his 1969 Ford Mustang, killing his dog in the process.The action heats up when he tracks the thug to New York City, only to become the target of a his father, a major crime boss.
The film is setting up to look like a major heavy hitter, as it is being directed by David Leitch and Chad Staheski, both who happen to be top notch stunt coordinators and second unit directors who own and operate the California-based stunt company, 87Eleven Action Design, having worked on films such as The Expendables 1 and 2, Ninja Assassin, The Mechanic and The Hunger Games and many more, along with the upcoming releases of The Wolverine with actor Hugh Jackman, After Earth with father and son duo Will and Jaden Smith.
Lionsgate is looking to pitch the film to distributors next week in France where the Cannes film festival is being held. No word yet on when JOHN WICK will begin filming. MAN OF TAI CHI is currently in post production with a targeted release this July in China, while 47 RONIN is currently set for a Christmas 2013 release.
Leitch and Stahelski took some time earlier this year to unleash a couple of new reels to showcase the work they have in store from previous films. Check them out in the embeds below, and for more info, feel free to visit the official website for 87Eleven Action Design.
Chad Stahelski:
Chad Stahelski – 2nd Unit Director’s Reel from Ryan Goldstein on Vimeo.
David Leitch:
