John Wick Was Originally Titled ‘Scorn’ But Keanu Reeves Changed It!


The action movie John Wick (2014) was originally titled Scorn. However, the studio decided to change the title to John Wick after Keanu Reeves, the lead actor, kept referring to the movie as John Wick in all of his interviews.

John Wick
Credit: John Wick (Franchise)

(John Wick) Keanu Reeves’s Best Idea Ever

Screenwriter Derek Kolstad pitched his script for John Wick to various studios, and it was eventually picked up by Lionsgate. When Reeves was cast in the lead role, he started referring to the movie as John Wick in all of his interviews and public appearances.

At first, the studio was hesitant to change the title. They thought that Scorn was a more fitting title for the movie, as it reflected the dark and revengeful nature of the story. However, after Reeves kept calling the movie John Wick for months, the studio finally relented.

There are a few reasons why the studio may have decided to change the title to John Wick. First, Reeves is a big star, and his name carries a lot of weight. The studio may have thought that a title with Reeves’ name in it would be more appealing to audiences.

Second, the studio may have thought that the title John Wick was more memorable and easier to pronounce than the title Scorn. This is important, as the studio wanted to make sure that audiences would remember the title of the movie and be interested in seeing it.

Keanu Reeves's Best Idea Ever
Credit: Lionsgate John Wick (Franchise)

Finally, the studio may have thought that the title John Wick was more descriptive of the movie’s plot. The movie is about a retired hitman named John Wick who seeks revenge after his dog is killed. The title John Wick tells audiences exactly who the main character is and what the movie is about.

Whatever the reason, the studio’s decision to change the title to John Wick was a good one. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned two sequels. It’s now impossible to imagine the movie being called anything else but John Wick.

I’m curious to know what you think of the title “Scorn.” Do you think it would have been a good fit for the movie?

also read this: Jenna Ortega’s Unexpected Transition: From Disney Kid to Netflix Leading Lady

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