Inside the Painstaking World of ‘John Wick’: A New Documentary Unveils the Franchise’s Trials and Triumphs

The "John Wick" franchise, a modern action cinema juggernaut, is built on a foundation of breathtaking stunts, stylized violence, and a surprisingly emotional core. Now, a new documentary, "Wick Is Pain," offers an unprecedented glimpse behind the scenes, revealing the intense dedication, near-catastrophic setbacks, and collaborative spirit that forged the iconic series. Available on demand starting May 9th, the documentary promises to resonate with fans eager to understand the meticulous craftsmanship and personal sacrifices that went into creating the world of John Wick.

Chad Stahelski, the director and creative force behind the franchise, leads viewers on a candid journey alongside star Keanu Reeves. The documentary delves into the intricate "Wick" mythology, dissecting the physical demands placed on Reeves, and revisiting the turbulent early days when the original film teetered on the brink of disaster.

Beyond the adrenaline-pumping action sequences, "Wick Is Pain" emphasizes the strong sense of community and camaraderie that permeates the franchise. However, it doesn’t shy away from the difficult truths. Stahelski openly discusses personal challenges, including his separation from his then-wife, stunt coordinator Heidi Moneymaker, during the production of the first "John Wick," and the creative friction he experienced with uncredited co-director David Leitch.

Stahelski acknowledges that conflict is often inherent in creative endeavors. "There’s really not a job weve ever been on that hasnt had some kind of confrontational element, but that doesnt make it bad," he explains. The core message of "Wick Is Pain" is about embracing the challenges and understanding that the "tough is what makes it great."

One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the emotional heart of the first "John Wick" film. Reeves and Stahelski discuss the pivotal scene where Wick mourns the loss of his puppy, a final gift from his deceased wife. The filmmakers fought to include this scene, recognizing its importance in establishing Wick’s motivations and humanity.

"Wick Is Pain" details the careful crafting of this sequence, from the close-up shot of the blood trail to the raw portrayal of Wick’s grief. Reeves reflects on the experience, stating, "To have that moment of grief was really fun for me to play." Stahelski admits there were initial concerns about the scene’s effectiveness. He recalls the image of "Keanu in pajamas all bloodied up," holding "a not-very-convincing stuffed animal," and the pressure for it to be "literally the transformative scene of the movie."

The filmmakers breathed a sigh of relief when they realized the scene wouldn’t elicit unintentional humor but instead resonate with genuine heartbreak. This realization solidified their confidence: "’OK, were good. Lets go kill some people.’"

The documentary also shines a light on the perilous journey to bring the original "John Wick" to the screen. After being rejected by numerous studios, Lionsgate eventually took a chance on the project. However, financial difficulties persisted, forcing the filmmakers to scramble for $6 million at the last minute. Producer Basil Iwanyk secured the necessary funds from Eva Longoria just 36 hours before the deadline.

Stahelski and Leitch were unaware of Longoria’s involvement until 24 hours before meeting her. Stahelski acknowledges the debt of gratitude, expressing regret that they hadn’t sent her "a basket of cookies or something." Reeves echoes the sentiment, simply stating, "Thank you, Eva. Again."

"Wick Is Pain" is a celebration of action filmmaking and the dedication of stunt performers. The documentary traces Stahelski’s career back to his early days as a stunt double for Brandon Lee in "The Crow" and showcases the contributions of numerous stunt professionals who have endured Wick’s wrath on screen.

The documentary also explores the innovative techniques that have defined the franchise, such as the use of "plug guns" for enhanced safety and realism in close-quarters combat scenes, a practice that began with "John Wick: Chapter 2." It also provides insights into the complex logistics of filming action sequences involving animals, such as the attack dogs in "John Wick: Chapter 3," and ensuring the safety of stray cats during those scenes.

Reeves emphasizes the importance of action in storytelling, stating, "There are certain elements where action is really a cornerstone of storytelling." He applauds the Academy’s decision to introduce an Oscar for best stunt design in 2028, recognizing the vital role stunt performers play in filmmaking.

Stahelski humorously remarks that stunt professionals are "kind of the last ones" to receive Oscar recognition, but expresses optimism that the new award will bring "more attention to moviemaking as a whole."

The documentary lives up to its title by showcasing the physical toll that the "John Wick" movies take on Reeves. "When you see Keanu in pain on screen, it’s probably for real," says his "Wick" stunt double, Jackson Spidell. The documentary captures moments where the 60-year-old actor needs to recover after performing demanding fight sequences and stunts.

Looking ahead, with a fifth "John Wick" film in development, Reeves admits that he is still contemplating the direction of the character. He reveals that he "didn’t go to the gym for over a year" after filming "John Wick: Chapter 4" (which seemingly concluded with Wick’s death). He clarifies that "the book isnt closed on that chapter," but that it "is needing some time to think about."

Stahelski is also taking time to reflect on the success of "John Wick: Chapter 4." However, he notes that he and his team have "been fun to dip our toe back into other stories," including an animated prequel, the TV series "John Wick: Under the High Table," and the upcoming spinoff film "Ballerina" starring Ana de Armas. Stahelski sees these projects as "a little bit of a sketchbook to try out some of our ideas and see where we go." "Wick Is Pain" is now available for purchase on Apple TV, Amazon, and other on-demand platforms.