John Wick 2is currently shooting. And today, we have the first photos ofKeanu Reeveson set. He returns as the deadly assassin in this highly-anticipated sequel. And from the looks of things, the bad guys still aren’t going to catch a break this second time around. These first images come from an eagle-eyedTwitter user, as production is carried out on location in and around New York City.
John Wickarrived in 2014, and wasn’t a blockbuster hit. It only earned $43 million off a $20 million budget, with a worldwide take of $86 million. But the film was a massive success with genre fans and critics alike. And it has now spawned a multi-media franchise. As you can see in the photos,Keanu Reevesis back in top physical form as formally-retired professional killer John Wick. Also returning from the first movie this time around areLance Reddick,Ian McShaneandJohn Leguizamo, who help make up this universe of hired hit man living in an underworld of crime bosses and assassins.
Judging from the leaked set photos, John Wick 2 is going to carry the same aesthetic as the first chapter in this saga.Chad Stahelski, who directed the originalJohn WickwithDavid Leitch, is returning to take the helm onJohn Wick 2, though he is going solo this time. Both filmmakers had planned to return, but decided to split up, withDavid LeitchdirectingThe Coldest City, starringCharlize Theron.John WickwriterDerek Kolstadreturned to write the sequel script forJohn Wick 2.
Commonhas signing on to play the new villain, withIan McShanereprising his role as Winston, the owner of the Hotel Continental. The supporting cast has been rounded out with new actorsRuby Rose, Riccardo Scamarcio andPeter Stormare. They are joined by originalJohn WickstarsJohn Leguizamo(Aurelio), Bridget Moynahan (Helen), Thomas Sadoski (Jimmy) andLance Reddick(Charon).
Plot details are being kept under wraps, and no details were given about the new characters played byRuby Rose, Riccardo Scamarcio andPeter Stormare. In the originalJohn Wick,John Leguizamo’s Aurelio ran a New York City chop shop, and Bridget Moynahan played John Wick’s late wife. Thomas Sadoski played a cop named Jimmy whileLance Reddickportrayed Charon, manager of the Hotel Continental who has an innate ability to anticipate his client’s needs.
With Bridget Moynahan returning, it seems clear we’ll have more flashbacks to John’s time with his wife inJohn Wick 2, andLance Reddick’s return hopefully means we’ll learn more about the mysterious Hotel Continental, which caters exclusively to theassassincommunity. Thomas Sadoski’s police officer character Jimmy was part of one of the original’s most memorable scenes regarding a “noise complaint” andJohn Leguizamo’s Aurelio helped shed light onJohn Wick’s past, and how he is not the right person to mess with.
Ruby Roseplays Stella Carlin onNetflix’sOrange Is the New Black, and she also stars in the upcomingResident Evil: The Final Chapter. Riccardo Scamarcio can currently be seen inBurnt, whilePeter Stormarewill next be seen in Rupture. Take a look as John Wick 2 continues shooting in New York
