Stuntman-turned-stunt coordinator-turned-stunt-choreographer-turned-director Chad Stahelski‘s latest installment of the “John Wick” series is another resounding critical and financial success. “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” has become so popular, that Lionsgate has already announced a May 21, 2021 release date for “John Wick: Chapter 4.” Stahelski and his ‘John Wick’ star, Keanu Reeves, are a dynamite creative duo, working together decades, beginning during Stahelski’s days as Reeves’ stunt double. Their vision of the expansive universe in the ‘Wick’ franchise, the fight choreography, and the eccentric characters harkens back to famous silent film stars, dance choreographers and artists, martial arts actors, their favorite directors, and characters from their favorite films and books.

“John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” follows John Wick (Reeves) after he is excommunicado after killing a member of the High Table, resulting in a $14 million bounty on his head. His quest for survival takes him to exciting new locations across the world, where he encounters new characters and forges new storylines for the franchise’s wide audience.

Recently, I spoke with Stahelski about his unique career trajectory, the franchise’s expansive universe, his creative inspirations for the invigorating fight choreography, Asia Kate Dillon‘s fantastic portrayal of the Adjudicator, “The Continental” TV series, “John Wick: Chapter 4,” and much more.

You were initially Keanu Reeves’s stunt double in the “The Replacements,” the “Matrix” trilogy, and “Constantine.” Is it surreal coming full-circle and directing him the ‘John Wick’ franchise? Not many people can say they’ve had that career trajectory.

When you go through something like we all went through on the “Matrixes,” it’s a bit of a bonding thing. I went more into action directing and second-unit directing for about 10 years. And I had stayed in touch with [Keanu]. And he had stayed in touch with myself and my partner, Dave. So, it’s something we always wanted to do. Preface all that by saying Keanu got to direct first. He directed “Man of Tai Chi.” When it came time for him to do that, he reached out and asked if me and some of my team wanted to go work with him and choreograph some of the action alongside Yuen Woo-Ping over in Beijing. You cut to a year-and-a-half later, where he’s off on a project and puts me forward to direct.

Read the rest of the interview at The Playlist.