Posted by In an industry where a title can make or break a brand, the team behind the Keanu Reeves-led John Wick film series chose wisely when selecting movie names
However, the well-known moniker wasn’t the first choice as the franchise was initially set to be called “Scorn.” In a 2020 interview, franchise writer Derek Kolstad revealed that Reeves was responsible for the title change.
The First John Wick Film Was Originally Titled Scorn
According to Kolstad, the decision to rename the movie resulted from Keanu Reeves consistently calling the film by its lead character’s name when talking to the media. “The only reason it’s called John Wick is that Keanu kept referring to it as John Wick,” the writer said. The actors’ faux pas didn’t go unnoticed by the studio, which embraced the alteration.”Marketing was like, ‘Dude, that’s four to five million dollars in free advertising so far, so it’s John Wick instead of Scorn,’” Kolstad continued. Whether it was a series of innocent mistakes or a subconscious effort to manifest a new title, Keanu Reeves’ insistence on calling the movie John Wick turned out to be a game-changer.
Keanu Reeve’s Kept Calling The Film John Wick
Though it wasn’t planned, Keanu Reeves inadvertently rescued John Wick from a potentially forgettable title while starring in a franchise that has etched its place in action movie history. The power of a name, especially when endorsed by a beloved star, proved to be the catalyst for the success and popularity of the John Wick films.
Starring Keane Reeves as the titular hero, the first John Wick movie debuted in 2014. The story introduces audiences to John Wick, a former hitman wanting vengeance for the death of his dog, a final gift from his recently deceased wife. The dog becomes a symbol of his grief, and its demise sets off a relentless quest for justice.
The Keanu Reeves film is known for its stylish action sequences, as well as its world-building, which delves into an underworld of assassins and a mysterious criminal society. Following its success, John Wick: Chapter 2 was released in 2017. Picking up immediately after the events of its predecessor, the story explores John Wick’s attempt to retire.However, he gets drawn back into contract killing due to a blood oath. The sequel expands on the lore of the John Wick franchise, introducing new characters and delving deeper into the High Table, the powerful organization that governs the criminal underworld. The action is elevated, maintaining the high standard set by the first film.
Chapters 3 And 4 Make John Wick A Billion Dollar Franchise
Released in 2019, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum continues the story, with John Wick facing a global contract on his life for breaking the rules of the High Table. This time, the movie takes viewers to different international settings while raising the stakes for the titular character. The film was a hit with fans, while critics praised Keanu Reeves’ committed performance.John Wick: Chapter 4 hit theaters in March 2023. The narrative once again revolves around the titular assassin, who takes his conflict against the High Table global, targeting the most influential figures in the criminal underworld. The film received positive reviews from critics and earned $417 million at the global box office.