Donnie Yen helped make his character less of a stereotype in 'John Wick' sequel
Donnie Yen, who is starring in “John Wick: Chapter 4,” said he helped make the case to overhaul his character, which was initially conceived as a very stereotypical Asian man. The actor, action director and martial artist told GQ Magazine in an interview this week he pushed back on his character’s initial identity, including his generic name and traditional wardrobe.
Donnie Yen, who is starring in “John Wick: Chapter 4,” said he helped make the case to overhaul his character, which was initially conceived as a very stereotypical Asian man.
The actor, action director and martial artist told GQ Magazine in an interview this week he pushed back on his character’s initial identity, including his generic name and traditional wardrobe.
“The name was Shang or Chang,” he said in the interview. “Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Why can’t he have a normal name? Why do you have to be so generic? Then the wardrobe again — oh, mandarin collars. Why is everything so generic? This is a ‘John Wick’ movie. Everybody’s supposed to be cool and fashionable. Why can’t he look cool and fashionable?”
Yen, who is Chinese, said director Chad Stahelski agreed to the changes, so his character was revamped with a stylish suit and a new name — Caine.
In the film, which premieres March 24, Caine is an assassin caught between the powerful High Table and his friendship with John Wick (Keanu Reeves).
Rating: 5