“That’s $4-5 Million in free advertising”: Keanu Reeves’ Repeated Mistakes Completely Changed the Future of John Wick Franchise

SUMMARY

• Keanu Reeves' consistent reference to the film as "John Wick" led to the title change from "Scorn", generating $4-5 million in free advertising.
• The John Wick franchise has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, revolutionizing the action genre with its unique blend of style and storytelling.
• The franchise has expanded beyond Keanu Reeves' character, with spin-offs like "The Continental" and "Ballerina", cementing its status as a cinematic universe.

It would be impossible to imagine Keanu Reeves’ career without the many action roles he has done. Although fans have rather enjoyed his romantic roles, it is really his work in the action genre that has received the most clout and acclaim. One of his most prominent works has been in the John Wick franchise.

Keanu Reeves in and as John Wick | Credit: Lionsgate

Having grossed a billion dollars at the worldwide box office, the franchise features Reeves as a legendary hitman. However, it was not always called ‘John Wick’, and only got its name due to the actor’s repeated mistakes that ultimately laid the foundation of its success.

Keanu Reeves Changed the Future of John Wick Franchise

The John Wick franchise saw Keanu Reeves do a lot of unique stunts | Credit: Lionsgate

One of the greatest action franchises of all time, Keanu Reeves‘ John Wick movie series has grossed over a billion dollars today (via Box Office Mojo). Filled with gruesome yet adrenalin-packed action scenes and stunts, the series has not only showcased Reeves’ physical prowess but also reinvented the action genre, blending stylistic visuals with compelling storytelling.

However, none of this would have mattered much if the first film had decided to roll back with its original title, Scorn. But thanks to Reeves and his mistake of referring to the film as ‘John Wick’, the production changed the official title to the one it has today.

In an interview with ComicBook.com, the writer Derek Kolstad revealed,

The only reason it’s called John Wick is that Keanu kept referring to it as John Wick. Marketing was like, ‘Dude, that’s four to five million dollars in free advertising so far, so it’s John Wick instead of Scorn.’ I can’t imagine it being Scorn now.

And Kolstad isn’t wrong for none of us can image the John Wick franchise having several spin-offs, three sequels, and as wide an acclaim if Reeves hadn’t made this simple and honest mistake. Surely, if Scorn was still the title, the first film would have come and gone, and fans would have missed out on a lot.

John Wick Franchise is Not Just About Keanu Reeves Anymore

Ballerina scene in John Wick: Chapter 3 | Credit: Lionsgate

The John Wick franchise transcends the typical action genre, for at its heart, it delivers an exhilarating experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat and sends your pulse racing with each intense moment. While at its center is Keanu Reeves’ legendary hitman, the franchise has now extended beyond his character.

Thanks to Reeves’ portrayal the franchise has received wide acclaim and gave way for several spin-offs. In 2023, the limited series The Continental: From the World of John Wick debuted to wide praise. Next, the Ana de Armas-starrer film From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is scheduled to release in 2025.

With other potential future projects within the franchise in the works, it is safe to say that John Wick has extended beyond Keanu Reeves and his titular character. Since each installment keeps expanding the universe, introducing intriguing characters and intricately woven plots that keep audiences on the edge of their seats, fans can hardly wait to see what more the John Wick world has to offer.

All the four John Wick movies can be rented on Apple TV.

Written by Maria Sultan

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