Olivia Munn’s Fascination with John Wick’s Gritty Action
Olivia Munn shares her passion for the John Wick films, admiring their raw stuntwork and Keanu Reeves’ hands-on approach. She discusses the franchise’s impact on action cinema and its distinctive choreography.
Few could have predicted the cultural impact of John Wick, a film that nearly faltered before its release but ultimately redefined the action genre for a new generation. Its blend of shadowy aesthetics, intricate world-building, and a kinetic style of combat has won over even the most seasoned action aficionados. Among them is Olivia Munn, who, despite her early days in romantic comedies, has since carved out a reputation for herself in action roles. Her performances in X-Men: Apocalypse, The Predator, and Ride Along 2 may have been highlights in otherwise mixed films, but her genuine enthusiasm for the genre is unmistakable.
Speaking to Rotten Tomatoes, Munn revealed her particular fondness for the John Wick series.
“I grew up doing martial arts, and I know that Keanu did all of his own fight scenes in it,”
she explained.
“Back in the day in kung fu movies, they filmed the fight scenes in wide angles so you get to see everybody doing it, but nowadays, everything’s like cut, cut, edit, edit, close-up of this, close-up of that. But we actually got to see Keanu in these wide shots because he’s doing his own stunts, and he’s kicking ass, and he’s amazing in it.”
Stuntwork and Authenticity
The decision to prioritise practical effects and real stuntwork in John Wick was not merely an artistic one. Budget limitations meant that elaborate computer graphics or digital doubles were out of reach. Instead, the film’s directors, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch—both with backgrounds as stunt performers—brought their expertise to the choreography, resulting in sequences that felt both fresh and grounded. Drawing inspiration from American classics like Die Hard and Dirty Harry, they also incorporated techniques more commonly seen in East Asian cinema, a detail Munn was quick to highlight.
She noted the rigorous training and rehearsal that went into each scene, which allowed for more fluid and exhilarating action.
“I feel like we don’t get enough of that in American cinema anymore, or actually ever,”
she remarked.
“You have to go back to, like, old kung fu movies and stuff. I just love watching that film and the action of that.”
Influence on Modern Action Films
Though John Wick’s initial box office performance was modest, its influence has been far-reaching. The film’s success sparked a trend towards more grounded, visceral action, giving rise to a host of similarly styled thrillers. Stahelski continued to helm the sequels, while Leitch branched out, collaborating with stars such as Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde, Brad Pitt in Bullet Train, and Ryan Gosling in The Fall Guy.
The future of the franchise remains uncertain. While there has been talk of a fifth chapter, the conclusive nature of the fourth instalment poses a challenge. Attempts to expand the universe, such as this summer’s Ballerina, have not met with the same enthusiasm, with disappointing box office returns casting doubt on further spin-offs.
Munn’s Hopes for the Genre
Despite the uncertain prospects for new entries, the legacy of John Wick endures, with numerous imitators seeking to capture its distinctive style. For Munn, whose appreciation for authentic action is well documented, the hope remains that she might one day take centre stage in a film that embraces the same commitment to practical stuntwork. The level of preparation required is considerable, but her admiration for the franchise suggests she is more than ready for the challenge.