10 Actors Who Refused To Use Stunt Doubles For Epic Fight Scenes

‘The Internet’s Boyfriend’, Keanu Reeves, has wowed audiences on both the big and small screen for over three decades. After collaborating with Chad Stahelski on The Matrix franchise (Stahelki served as Reeves’ stunt double during the trilogy due to the actor’s then-recent neck surgery ), Reeves tapped Stahelski up to direct John Wick once the Speed star was offered the script by Thunder Road Pictures.

The Canadian actor already had martial arts training from previous roles, but he spent four months practicing judo and jujitsu to get into shape for the role. He also practiced mixing martial arts with gun use in a practice known as Gun Fu. 90% of the action scenes are performed by Keanu Reeves, which then allow for an abundance of incredible long shots in the franchise. In John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum, for example, Reeves notably has a compelling battle with Ernest, played by 7ft 4" NBA player Boban Marjanović.

Both men fight in a choreographed scene in the close quarters of a library, with books and other oddities used as weapons. Here, the men use street fighting techniques, focusing on the vulnerable body parts of the opponent.