California-based martial artist Chad Stahelski transformed himself from a behind-the-scenes stuntman into the visionary director behind the blockbuster John Wick franchise. By drawing from his stunt background, Stahelski cemented John Wick as one of the most authentic and well-produced action franchises on screens today. From his ties to the Los Angeles martial arts community to his producer role on Ballerina, here’s how Stahelski ended up influencing John Wick‘s signature action style.
Origins in the L.A. martial arts scene
Although he was born in Massachusetts, Stahelski maintains deep connections to California and the Los Angeles area. During his time as a student at USC, he rose through the ranks at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts in Marina del Rey, eventually becoming an instructor under revered martial artist Dan Inosanto and training alongside the late action star Brandon Lee.
After winning numerous mixed martial arts titles and doubling for Lee in The Crow, Stahelski was selected to double Keanu Reeves in The Matrix trilogy, performing many of the franchise’s most signature action sequences. In 1997, he co-founded the action design company 87Eleven alongside fellow stunt professional David Leitch.
He also worked with major players in the stunt world, such as the Wachowskis and Yen Woo Ping, and worked as a stunt coordinator on The Expendables, The Hunger Games, Captain America: Civil War, and numerous other high-profile films.
Directing the John Wick franchise
Stahelski’s long professional relationship with Keanu Reeves, as well as his work with Leitch at 87Eleven, culminated in him directing the first John Wick film in 2014. In the wake of the film’s success, he went on to direct all 4 chapters in the franchise, plus a fifth that’s currently in development.
John Wick fans are often drawn to the franchise’s seamless action sequences, which stand out for their steady wide shots showcasing highly complex moves and choreography. By avoiding overreliance on shaky cam and rapid editing, the sequences always showcase the performers’ extensive training and skill. As such, Stahelski’s decades of experience as a stunt coordinator are on full display in every John Wick film.
Influence on Ballerina
June 6th is the official release date for From The World of John Wick: Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas. While this spinoff is directed by Len Wiseman (known for the Underworld series, Live Free or Die Hard, and Total Recall), Stahelski’s influence as producer is tangible throughout the action. Many of the most thrilling sequences were filmed under his careful direction during reshoots, so you’ll find that the signature John Wick styling still comes through.
Ballerina stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin on a quest for revenge after her father’s murder. The story takes place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. Supporting cast includes Keanu Reeves as John Wick, of course, as well as actors including Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, and the late Lance Reddick.