Type: movie
Overview: Witness the never-before-seen footage and true story behind the John Wick phenomenon – from independent film to billion-dollar franchise.
Language: en
Genres:
The cast and crew faced numerous challenges including budget shortfalls, financial panic, emotional strain, and even shutdowns during production. Director Chad Stahelski mentioned borrowing against his house to keep the project alive, highlighting the financial risks involved. The documentary reveals moments of chaos and doubt behind the scenes as the team struggled to bring the film to fruition.
Wick Is Pain shows Keanu Reeves' intense physical and emotional preparation for the role, including learning judo, jiu-jitsu, and gun-fu. The documentary highlights the blood, bruises, and relentless dedication required to embody the character, emphasizing the punishing process behind the action sequences and Reeves' commitment to the role.
The documentary includes never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage shot over more than ten years. This footage captures the making of the John Wick franchise, showing both the loyalty and friendship among the cast and crew as well as the conflicts, doubts, and physical toll involved in creating the films.
Wick Is Pain traces the journey of John Wick from a modestly budgeted indie thriller to a billion-dollar global phenomenon. It covers the franchise's creative and commercial evolution, the birth of the stunt team 87Eleven, and the groundbreaking action choreography that redefined the genre. The film also reflects on the impact the franchise has had on the action film landscape.
Both Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves open up about the emotional and physical toll the John Wick films took on them. Stahelski shares his vulnerability and the sacrifices made to keep the project alive, while Reeves reflects on his decade-long journey embodying the character. Their bond and shared vision are highlighted as key factors in the franchise's success.