Despite being a point of praise for the movie, John Wick: Chapter 4 Stunt Coordinator Scott Rogers reveals that the studio wanted to cut its overhead action sequence. The John Wick franchise is iconic for its action scenes, largely built around the hand-to-hand combat mixed with firearms, with Chad Stahelski, who has an extensive background in action and stunt work, at the helm. John Wick: Chapter 4 managed to up the ante with bigger action than ever before, including one scene that nearly didn’t make the cut.
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In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant for the John Wick: Chapter 4 home release, stunt coordinator Scott Rogers reveals the studio wanted to cut one of the biggest action sequences in the movie. He explains the extensive preparation that went into the Hotline Miamie-style scene that shot the action from an overhead perspective, which Lionsgate lobbied against on multiple occasions. Check out Rogers’ full quote below:

Scott Rogers: Again it’s months of training and you’re taking an elite fight team…You just keep building the thing until you get ready. You have VFX and all the departments go into that, but it doesn’t happen quickly. Most studios, most people don’t have the stomach for that much prep for a sequence. The studio wanted to cut that scene repeatedly.
Yeah, because if you’ve never seen it before you have to have a visionary person to develop it. So most studio executives are not visionary and that’s why they do their job and Chad Stahelski does his job. So to try to describe it to them you’re like, “No it’ll be really cool.” And they’re lie, “This doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Chad Stahelski Raises The Bar With John Wick: Chapter 4

Stahelski has raised the bar on action movies with the John Wick franchise, with impressive world building and storytelling seamlessly infused with cutting-edge action sequences. The first John Wick movie set a new precedent for action movies, and each one has added new elements. John Wick: Chapter 4 in particular huge action set pieces, including a car chase and fight in the Arc de Triomphe and on the stairs of Montmartre.

Related: CGI Isn’t The Future Of Action Movies – John Wick 4 Proves It

The action sequence that follows John Wick through his rampage with an overhead shot shows how brutal and tactical he is in his fighting. This is a completely unique way to shoot an action scene, which makes the studio’s hesitation somewhat understandable. However, Rogers’ description of Stahelski as a “visionary” rings true, as the stunt coordinator-turned-director took the time needed to properly prepare them, and execute them, setting him apart from other action directors.

Stahelski’s willingness to fight for this sequence also shows why John Wick needs an innovative director with a mind for action heading into its future. This scene shows how far Stahelski has come as a director and the importance of his leadership on set. John Wick: Chapter 4 could have looked very different, but Stahelski’s willingness to try new things, fight for his vision, and collaborate with every department shows exactly what sets this franchise apart.