John Wick co-director Chad Stahelski reveals that the original script for the film was "very grounded" and featured a low kill count. Released in 2014, the first installment in the successful John Wick franchise introduces Keanu Reeves as the titular assassin, following the character as he seeks revenge for the murder of his dog. The film, which would spawn three hit sequels, features stylized action and what is known as "gun-fu," with Wick ultimately killing 77 people in the first movie alone.

During a recent interview with Business Insider in celebration of John Wick's 10th anniversary, Stahelski, who co-directed the film alongside David Leitch, recalls how he initially became involved in the project. The director reveals that Reeves, for whom he had served as a stunt double on The Matrix, brought the Derek Kolstad script to him, but the project was very different from what eventually ended up on-screen.

According to Stahelski,...