David Leitch Reveals Bruce Willis Was First Choice for John Wick

In a surprising revelation, director David Leitch has disclosed that Keanu Reeves was not the original choice for the iconic role of John Wick in the popular action-thriller franchise. This revelation came during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where Leitch shared insights into the casting process that led to the creation of the beloved character.

Leitch recounted the early days of the project, explaining how he and his team first encountered the script. He mentioned that his wife, Kelly McCormick, played a crucial role in introducing them to key figures in the film industry, specifically Basil Iwanyk and Peter Lawson from Thunder Road Productions. Leitch stated, "She had introduced us to Basil Iwanyk and Peter Lawson at Basil’s company [Thunder Road] to maybe do second unit work on that script." This collaboration set the stage for what would become a groundbreaking film.

Interestingly, Leitch revealed that the first actor considered for the role of John Wick was none other than Bruce Willis. He noted, "So that was the first time we read it, and I think Bruce Willis might’ve been attached at that time." However, due to scheduling conflicts, Willis was unable to participate in the project. This led the filmmakers to turn their attention to Keanu Reeves, who ultimately brought the character to life.

Leitch described the moment they approached Reeves, saying, "We went back to Keanu and said, ‘Hey, man, it’s a little small for us, but what do you think about us doing the whole thing?’" To their delight, Reeves was enthusiastic about the opportunity, responding with, "Yes, please. Let’s do it. How do we make that happen?" This enthusiastic response marked the beginning of a successful partnership that would redefine action cinema.

As fans eagerly await the next installment in the John Wick franchise, titled "Ballerina," set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025, this behind-the-scenes insight adds a fascinating layer to the story of how one of cinema's most beloved characters came to be. The journey from initial casting choices to the final product highlights the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the importance of finding the right fit for a role. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best outcomes arise from unexpected turns in the creative process.