Lionsgate has dropped the poster and trailer for Wick Is Pain, a documentary that dives deep into the making of the John Wick franchise.
The film features Keanu Reeves, director Chad Stahelski, and the original cast and crew reflecting on the franchise’s rocky beginnings and unexpected rise.
From Low Budget to Box Office Giant
Wick Is Pain traces how John Wick started as a scrappy indie film fighting uphill battles—from budget shortfalls to personal struggles behind the scenes. According to the trailer (watch below), the team faced shutdowns, financial panic, and emotional strain. Stahelski even mentions borrowing against his house to keep the project alive. The film also revisits the now-iconic decision to break a Hollywood taboo: killing a dog on screen.
Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski Open Up
The documentary shows a raw side of Reeves and Stahelski. They talk about their bond, the toll the films took on them, and how their shared vision helped keep John Wick on track. “They bleed Wick. They die Wick,” producer David Leitch remarks in the trailer, summing up their commitment.
Never-Before-Seen Footage
Shot over more than ten years, Wick Is Pain features behind-the-scenes footage that hasn’t been released until now. Viewers will see moments of chaos, doubt, and conflict—but also the loyalty, friendship, and relentless effort that turned John Wick into a billion-dollar franchise.
Digital Release Date
Wick Is Pain will be available digitally starting May 9, 2025.
Credits
Directed by Jeffrey Doe and produced by Josh Oreck, Gabriel Roth, and Matthew Sidle, the documentary is backed by executive producers Chad Stahelski, Keanu Reeves, and Tina Carter. The cast includes Reeves, Stahelski, and the wider John Wick crew.
Watch the trailer:
What’s next for John Wick?
Keanu Reeves will be returning as the super assassin in John Wick 5, which is confirmed in development.
Opening June 6 is From the World of John Wick: Ballerina starring Ana de Armas, an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma organization who sets out to seek revenge of her own after her father’s death.
A prequel anime is also in the works telling the story of John Wick before the first film, as he completes the Impossible Task — killing all of his rivals in one night.
Donnie Yen is also starring in a spinoff which follows the events of John Wick: Chapter 4, continuing the story of Caine, who has been freed from the High Table.
