Ancil
In 2023, Keanu Reeves released the fourth installment of the John Wick series, which was a massive success. John Wick: Chapter 4 lived up to the high expectations set by its predecessors and even surpassed them. The movie made a significant impact at the box office, breaking records within the franchise. During its opening weekend, John Wick: Chapter 4 grossed an impressive $73.8 million, surpassing the previous record held by Chapter 3, which had an opening weekend of $56.8 million. The film’s success continued, accumulating a staggering $440 million in global box office revenue, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
But how much did Keanu Reeves get paid for his contribution to the films? Let’s explore.
John Wick (2014)
For his role in John Wick (2014), Keanu Reeves reportedly received a base salary ranging from $1 million to $2 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter. However, his compensation extended beyond a traditional salary arrangement. Instead of solely relying on a percentage of the movie’s profits, Reeves was granted an ownership stake in the film.
This strategic move can prove highly lucrative for actors in the long run. While a modest base salary may seem relatively low, the inclusion of an ownership stake allows the star to share in the film’s success and profits. In Keanu Reeves’ case, this means that as the movie performs well at the box office and in subsequent revenue streams, his earnings will not be limited to the initial salary but will further increase due to his vested interest in the overall success of the picture.
The decision to offer an ownership stake reflects a common practice in the film industry, where actors opt for a balance between a base salary and a share in the film’s financial performance. This not only incentivizes the actor to deliver a compelling performance but also aligns their interests with the commercial success of the project. In essence, by securing an ownership stake, Keanu Reeves stands to reap significant financial rewards as John Wick achieves success both critically and commercially.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
In the case of John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), Keanu Reeves saw a modest increase in his base salary, ranging from $2 million to $2.5 million, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Although this figure remains relatively low in comparison to some Hollywood salaries, it was a progression from his compensation for the first movie.
Keanu retained his ownership stake in the film.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
There’s no concrete information about Keanu‘s salary for the third movie.
John Wick: Chapter 4
For his involvement in John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), it is reported that Keanu Reeves received a base salary amounting to $15 million. Additionally, he retained his ownership stake in the movie, suggesting the potential for even more substantial earnings in the long run.
