Keanu Reeves has become nearly inseparable from the character of John Wick, making it hard to picture anyone else in the iconic role. Since the franchise’s beginning, Reeves’ portrayal has helped shape one of the most popular action series of the last decade, cementing his place as the definitive John Wick.
Despite this strong association, there is one unexpected actor who many believe could have embodied John Wick with similar skill. Though not widely recognized for action roles in recent years, this actor’s unique qualities suggest he could have brought his own compelling take to the character.
Keanu Reeves’ Definitive Impact on the John Wick Role
Keanu Reeves’ performance as John Wick has been widely praised since the first film’s release, with his portrayal becoming central to the character’s popularity and the franchise’s success. The blend of Reeves’ intense physicality and stoic presence has made Wick an enduring figure in modern cinema.
The John Wick series has expanded its universe and intensified its storytelling over time, but Reeves has remained a consistent anchor through all four films. This association is rare for a character born in the 2010s, as few have reached such iconic status or catalyzed equally successful franchises.
Before Reeves was cast, Bruce Willis was reportedly considered for the role, but the casting ultimately led to Reeves’ career-defining status. Nonetheless, one actor overlooked at the time stands out as someone who might have made a strong alternative to Reeves in the role of John Wick.
Why Ke Huy Quan Could Have Been a Surprising Choice for John Wick
Ke Huy Quan may not immediately come to mind as an action star, but several factors support the idea that he could have effectively played John Wick. Known most recently for his Oscar-winning role in Everything Everywhere All At Once and strong performances in series like Loki and American Born Chinese, Quan has proven his acting range and skill.
Though Quan’s background in action films is limited, especially after a long hiatus from acting since 2002, his early work in the 1980s as memorable characters in films like The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom showed his ability to shine in adventurous roles.
One parallel between Reeves and Quan lies in their early characters rooted in comedy and pop culture. Reeves’ Ted from the Bill & Ted films remains a beloved role, and Quan’s past performances reflect a similar charm. If Reeves successfully transitioned from comedic roles to intense action, Quan might have followed a similar path with the John Wick character.
Ke Huy Quan’s Own Action Film Experience and Its Reception
Ke Huy Quan’s recent lead role in the 2025 action-comedy Love Hurts provides a glimpse into how he might have approached the John Wick character. The film centers on Marvin, a retired hitman forced back into a violent world, a premise closely mirroring John Wick’s storyline.
Unfortunately, Love Hurts underperformed at the box office, failing to recoup its modest budget of under $20 million and receiving largely negative critical reviews with only an 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite this, audiences responded more favorably, giving it a 61% rating and praising Quan’s performance. His ability to blend action with moments of humor demonstrated qualities that could have translated well if he had portrayed John Wick.
Potential for Ke Huy Quan in the Ongoing John Wick Universe
The John Wick franchise has continued to grow in scope and complexity, introducing new characters and locations worldwide. This expanding universe offers ample opportunity for Ke Huy Quan to join in some capacity, even if not as the titular Wick himself.
Following the original film, the series has seen many actors add to its cast, including Ruby Rose, Halle Berry, Asia Kate Dillon, Hiroyuki Sanada, Bill Skarsgård, and Donnie Yen. Musicians like Rina Sawayama have also made notable appearances, further diversifying the world of John Wick.
With the fourth installment exploring new countries and storylines, future films might extend the franchise’s reach even further. Given Quan’s interest in playing villainous roles, he could make a dynamic antagonist or supporting character in upcoming projects.
There is also the possibility that Quan could headline a spin-off. The franchise recently branched out with Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, and rumors circulate about additional projects focused on characters introduced in the later films. Quan’s talents would make him a natural fit for continued contributions within this universe.
