Derek Kolstad Shares Insights on John Wick's Evolution with Keanu Reeves

Derek Kolstad, the writer and producer behind the John Wick franchise, revealed insights into the film's evolution during a panel discussion at the Mediterrane Film Festival in Valletta on June 26, 2026. Kolstad discussed how Keanu Reeves' involvement transformed the character and storyline, making it one of Hollywood's most successful action series.

The Origins of John Wick

While dog sitting, Kolstad conceived the idea for John Wick after imagining the dire consequences of a dog being harmed. Originally, he envisioned Wick as an older hitman, but everything changed when he met with Reeves.

“It was written for a guy like [Robert De Niro] in his early 70s,” Kolstad said, recalling the initial concept where the dog was a 14-year-old gift from Wick's wife. However, Reeves insisted on portraying Wick as a 35-year-old, prompting Kolstad to adjust the dog's age to a puppy, setting the stage for the film's iconic storyline.

Collaboration with Keanu Reeves

Kolstad's collaboration with Reeves spanned several months, where they met consistently to refine the character. “I remember he said, ‘I’m going to play him as 35.’ As soon as he said that, I realized we couldn’t have a 15-year-old dog,” Kolstad explained. This pivotal moment allowed the narrative to evolve significantly.

Kolstad went on to write two sequels, John Wick: Chapter 2 and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. He humorously stated that the original script was titled Scorn, but the name changed to John Wick due to Reeves’ enthusiasm for the project.

Personal Connections and Legacy

Kolstad also shared a personal connection to the film, revealing that he honored his grandparents through the character. His grandfather, named John Finlayson Wick, inspired the character's name. Kolstad mentioned, “I got all these angry texts from cousins going, ‘For fuck’s sake, you had John Wick say goodbye to Helen in the hospital.’”

He reflected on how the film helped him process grief after his grandmother's passing just before the movie's release. Kolstad's journey in Hollywood has been busy, with projects like Splinter Cell: Deathwatch and the recently released Normal and Nobody 2.

Looking ahead, Kolstad is set to work with director Kenji Tanigaki on The Reckoner, featuring Peter Dinklage.