The price of being John Wick: Keanu Reeves suffers real injuries in every film
The pain John Wick endures on screen is often real: Keanu Reeves has sustained numerous injuries while filming the saga.
Since the release of the first ’John Wick’ in 2014, the franchise has redefined action cinema with its brutal hand-to-hand combat and realistic gunfights.
What many don’t realize is that Keanu Reeves himself endures much of the physical punishment seen on screen. According to behind-the-scenes footage, when John Wick limps or struggles, it’s often because Reeves is genuinely injured.
Real injuries behind the action
During filming, Reeves’ co-stars praised his dedication:
- “When you see Keanu in pain on screen, it’s probably real. If his knee, neck, or shoulder hurts, it’s real.”
- “If you see John Wick limping, that’s actually Keanu limping.”
- “Chad [Stahelski] told Keanu he was going to push him to the limit, and Keanu said, ‘Do it.’ He would never quit.”
- “Sometimes, Keanu would lie on the ground coughing for ten minutes before getting up and saying, ‘Shall we continue?’”
While the gunshot wounds and stabbings Wick suffers are obviously movie magic, Reeves’ bruises, strains, and exhaustion are very real. His resilience mirrors his character’s, making Wick’s relentless drive feel authentic.
‘Wick is Pain’: The documentary that reveals it all
The 2025 documentary ‘Wick is Pain’ dives deep into Reeves’ decade-long commitment to the franchise. Featuring never-before-seen footage, it highlights how Reeves pushes himself to the limit to deliver uncompromising action.
Despite using stunt doubles for extreme sequences, Reeves performs most of his own fight scenes, leading to countless injuries over the years.
Keanu Reeves: A decade of John Wick
When ’John Wick’ premiered in 2014, Reeves was 50 years old. Now, at 60, he continues to push his body to its limits, proving his dedication to the franchise.
If there’s anything to criticize about these films, it’s certain plot elements, not the choreography or the actors’ commitment. Reeves has delivered some of the most unforgettable action sequences in modern cinema, and only time will tell if he’ll continue bringing John Wick to life.
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