Why Olivia Munn Can’t Get Enough of John Wick
Olivia Munn shares her passion for the John Wick films, spotlighting their raw stuntwork and Keanu Reeves’ hands-on approach. She discusses the franchise’s impact on action cinema and its standout choreography.
When John Wick first hit the screens, few expected it to become such a standout in the action genre. The production was anything but smooth, nearly falling apart before it even got going. Yet, against the odds, it turned into a sleeper hit, blending neo-noir vibes, a rich backstory, and a mix of Eastern-inspired stuntwork with relentless shootouts. This fresh take on action flicks didn’t just win over punters—it also caught the eye of Olivia Munn, who’s no stranger to the world of action herself.
Munn, who first made her mark in romantic comedies, later showed she could hold her own in action-heavy roles in films like X-Men: Apocalypse, The Predator, and Ride Along 2. While those films didn’t always get rave reviews, her performances stood out. Chatting with Rotten Tomatoes, she revealed there’s one series she’s particularly keen on: John Wick.
“I grew up doing martial arts, and I know that Keanu did all of his own fight scenes in it,”
she said.
“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 That Sets a New Standard
The hands-on approach to stunts in John Wick wasn’t just for show. With a tight budget, the team couldn’t splash out on fancy CGI or digital doubles. Instead, the film’s directors—both former stuntmen—leaned on their years of experience to craft fight scenes that felt real and gritty. Even when they borrowed a few tricks from classic American action films, most of the close-quarters combat was inspired by styles usually seen in Asian cinema. Munn was quick to point out how this level of training and rehearsal led to more fluid, exciting action.
“I feel like we don’t get enough of that in American cinema anymore, or actually ever,”
she said.
“You have to go back to, like, old kung fu movies and stuff. I just love watching that movie and the action of that.”
Changing the Game for Action Films
John Wick didn’t just make a splash—it kicked off a whole new wave of action films that aimed for the same grounded, hard-hitting style. The director stuck around for three sequels, while his mate branched out, working with other big names like Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, and Ryan Gosling in their own action-packed stories. Where the franchise goes from here is anyone’s guess. There’s talk of a fifth chapter, but with the last film wrapping things up pretty neatly, it’s a tough ask. A recent spin-off tried to launch its own series, but after a rough run at the box office, those plans might be on ice for now.
Munn’s Hopes for the Future
Even if the official series slows down, there are plenty of films out there taking cues from John Wick’s style. It seems only a matter of time before Munn gets her shot at a modern action flick that puts real stuntwork front and centre. It’s no easy feat, but given her passion for the genre, she’s more than ready for the challenge.