How Keanu Reeves Take ‘Stood Up’ For Puppy Death Scene In John Wick? Here’s What The Producers Claim

As a die-hard fan of the John Wick franchise, I’ve been through quite the emotional rollercoaster, especially when it comes to our beloved canine companion. The dog’s untimely demise was a heartbreaking moment that sparked a fury within me, a fury that mirrored John Wick’s quest for vengeance. But, as I reflect on the journey of this iconic franchise, I realize that the tragic dog death scene was not just a catalyst for the storyline but a turning point in cinema history.


Keanu Reeves‘ character John Wick in the initial movie of the series had a fluffy companion, but sadly for fans, this canine friend didn’t survive, leading to an ongoing crusade for vengeance among viewers. On the occasion of the franchise reaching its 10th year, creators David Leitch and Chad Stahelski discussed exclusive behind-the-scenes insights with Business Insider.

They too offered their thoughts on the heartbreaking dog death scene. As Leitch clarified, people said, “It’s considered unlucky.” or “It’s thought to bring negative energy.” The consensus seemed to be that this would echo the story of Old Yeller, a film known for its tragic ending, which might discourage viewers due to the sorrowful content, potentially driving away the audience in the long run.

He stated, “I’m saying, ‘We’re planning to kill people up close; I understand killing a dog, but what about the cold-blooded murder of so many humans? Can they accept this?'” The filmmakers, who enjoy genre movies, wanted to make an authentic production in this genre. They believed that such “gritty scenes” would make the franchise stand out and become iconic.

John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves, portrays the character of a retired assassin who chose to settle down with his beloved spouse. However, when thugs callously took away his cherished car and his wife’s precious puppy, it ignited a violent response from Wick (Reeves), leading him on a rampage of vengeance. This pivotal scene involving the dog’s death significantly shaped the John Wick franchise.

In the preparation for a scene, actor Reeves chose to method act by rehearsing the death sequence with a plush toy dog, causing him to weep and appear severely battered. This performance led the filmmakers to reconsider their plan to euthanize the dog and instead opt for an alternative ending. The crew watching on must have collectively thought, “This is a terrible idea; these new directors need to reassess their decisions.” According to the producer, this was one of their memories from the production.

In their own words, it was the Matrix actor who supported them and their idea, but Keanu backed us. Additionally, Basil confronted the investors, and eventually, they thought, “Enough, let’s see what these people can accomplish.” As it turned out, their faith was justified, and the franchise ultimately generated over $1 billion in value.

The popular trilogy of hit movies is set to carry on its tradition with upcoming projects such as “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,” scheduled for release in 2025, along with the prequel limited series “The Continental” on Peacock and the sequel series “John Wick: Under the High Table.

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2024-10-27 23:52