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With John Wick: Chapter 2 now in theaters, I recently got to sit down with director Chad Stahelski for an exclusive video interview. While Stahelski directed the first John Wick with David Leitch, due to when Lionsgate wanted the sequel in theaters and the opportunities the success of the first film provided, Leitch went off to direct The Coldest City while Stahelski helmed the second installment. As you can watch Stahelski explain it was completely amicable. He went on to talk about how the movie developed, if he felt any additional pressure making the sequel after the success of the first film, why he wanted to open the film with a great action set piece, who he showed the film for honest feedback, if he envisions helming John Wick 3 assuming the sequel is a hit, and a lot more.

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Image via Lionsgate

For fans of the first John Wick that are wondering if the sequel is any good, I’m happy to report that it is fantastic. It opens with an insane action set piece and never stops. I don’t know how any person that paid for a full-price ticket could walk out and say they didn’t get their money’s worth. I’ve seen it three times already — trust me, it’s awesome. You can read Matt Goldberg's review here.

For those unfamiliar with the sequel, Keanu Reeves face-off against a whole new host of friends, villains, and colleagues, played by the likes of CommonRuby Rose, Laurence Fishburne and Riccardo Scamarcio, amongst others. The movie also sees the return of Ian McShaneJohn Leguizamo, Bridget Moynihan, and Lance Reddick.

Check out what Chad Stahelski had to say in the video above and below is the official synopsis and recent trailer.

Chad Stahelski:

  • If they are able to make a John Wick 3 what do we need to do to combine it with Bill and Ted 3?
  • How did he end up directing John Wick: Chapter 2 on his own?
  • What was the conversation between him and David Leitch?
  • Did he feel the pressure on the sequel?
  • Was it always the intention to open the film with a big action set piece?
  • Who did he show the sequel to for honest feedback?
  • What did he cut from the film?
  • In the first film John Wick barely talked. In the sequel he has a lot more lines. Was that intentional and how did it happen?
  • What was his reaction when the studio said they think of John Wick as a franchise?
  • Does he envision directing John Wick 3 if they are lucky enough to make it?

Here’s the official synopsis for John Wick: Chapter 2:

In this next chapter following the 2014 hit, legendary hitman John Wick [Keanu Reeves] is forced back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world’s deadliest killers.

 

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Image via Lionsgate

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