Keanu Reeves has recently won his fans’ hearts once again by reprising the iconic titular role in John Wick: Chapter 4. But before he donned the hitman character, he had already starred in several action flicks that eventually helped him become one of the most demanding action stars in Hollywood right now. 
Keanu Reeves in John Wick

However, fans would be surprised to learn that the action star is highly indebted to legendary icon, Bruce Lee who helped him shape his character’s personality.

Bruce Lee is the Inspiration for Keanu Reeves’s Personality

Bruce Lee

The late martial artist, Bruce Lee influenced several generations and eventually became one of the prominent personalities of all time. Even John Wick director, Chad Stahelski has opened up about how the former has heavily impacted the franchise and Keanu Reeves‘s titular character in general. 

Speaking with Empire to honor the legend on the celebration of Enter the Dragon, he shared his love for the icon, 
“I love the action, but I’m also a sucker for his personality. Half the reason you love what he does is that you love him: the innocence and the arrogance.”
He further talked about Lee’s personality, mentioning that Reeves had to adapt his personality. 
“He projects the confidence of a young man trying to find himself. Bruce knew how to be vulnerable, and I really appreciate that about him. Many of the people who tried to imitate him came out with all bravado: ‘I can’t ever lose!’ Bruce is thinking, ‘I might lose here. I have to do the right thing.’ A lot of what we do in John Wick, the non-verbal communication, is based off of what Bruce did.”
Devoted fans would now be able to observe the strikingly similar pattern between the two action stars which only points out the grandiose of Lee’s legacy. Even Reeves’s character is popularly known for his minimal dialogue, which has often been the subject of discussion among fans.  

Keanu Reeves’s Minimal Dialogue in John Wick Franchise

Keanu Reeves as John Wick

Despite the main character of the franchise, John Wick’s speaking style would leave one shocked since he doesn’t speak much. While this has been a heated topic among fans for quite a while, it is quite an intentional move. 

According to The Wall Street Journal, the professional hitman has spoken fewer than 400 words throughout the fourth chapter. Running for nearly three hours, the film featured the titular actor’s flicks rather than his dialogue which totally justifies his story. It is quite safe to assume that Wick likes to brawl with enemies rather than having a long chat. 

Sticking to its original action genre, the film received widespread acclaim from critics and eventually ended up grossing over $432 million worldwide. Meanwhile, a fifth installment is reportedly in the works.

John Wick: Chapter 4 will be available to stream on Starz on September 26.