Based on the deafening cheers that shook the walls of the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas, on Monday, the SXSW Film Festival premiere of “John Wick: Chapter 4” was a resounding success — and that’s even before the film even started. That was all it took for star Keanu Reeves to step on stage at the behest of director Chad Stahelski for the audience of over 1,000 to erupt in unbridled enthusiasm.
That excitement never waned during the film’s epic two-hour-and-49-minute runtime, with thunderous applause after spectacular action sequences in Osaka, Berlin and Paris – and vocal gasps after several major twists.
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Taking the stage after the screening, both Reeves and Stahelski seemed pleasantly surprised by the raucous reception.
Reeves said, “You guys are amazing.” “Thanks for that experience. You guys are doing amazing.
Added Stahelski, “It’s one of the best audiences I’ve ever seen.”
However, reporting on the remainder of the post-screening Q&A is a challenge, as the conversation veers into serious spoiler territory at times – including Reeves’ answer to his favorite moment in the film, which elicited a chorus of “Awwwws”. from the audience.
Stahelski’s answer was, to say the least, spoiler-free: “It was the first day Keanu came on set,” he said. “He had the suit back on and it was the first time we were back together in three years. So it was pretty special.
Like every other “John Wick” movie, “Chapter 4” is steeped in baroquely staged and choreographed fight scenes, including one that appears to be an atypical one that Stahelski spent a week filming. time taken. Then Reeves cut in: “And months and months Plan And Training,
Most of the Q&A featured audience members giving extended tributes to the film’s star. One person asked Reeves if he ever gets old.
“Yeah man, I’m old,” he replied wearily. “I really – I age, It’s happening, man.
After Reeves said that he kept Vic’s watch and wedding ring from the previous films, someone shouted, “I will marry you!”
“Yeah, be careful what you wish for,” Reeves replied.
“Bring back ‘Constantine’,” shouted another person, referencing Reeves’ beloved 2005 DC adaptation.
“I’m trying, man,” the actor said with a sigh.
One of the final questions came from someone who, appropriately, had a puppy with him, who asked if Reeves was planning to appear in the upcoming “John Wick” spin-off, which would include “The Continental” series. which is due to premiere on Peacock. later this year, and “Ballerina” starring Ana de Armas.
Reeves and Stahelski both seemed unsure about how to answer.
“Uh, not sure yet,” said the director, immediately followed by a tentative “no” from Reeves—who then contradicted himself. “I have a cameo in ‘Ballerina,’ that’s true.”
‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ opens in theaters on March 24.
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