John Wick director to helm adaptation of comic Kill or Be Killed

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER TWO proved the first movie as no fluke, and that director Chad Stahleski could up the ante and deliver the stylish action and deepen the story. He’s now one of the most sought-after names in the business, and on top of doing the third WICK movie has signed on to helm the adaptation of the comic book series, KILL OR BE KILLED by Ed Brubaker.

Per THR, the movie is set to be written by Dan Casey, who just wrote another adaptation of Brubaker’s work, INCOGNITO, and will reteam Stahleski with his WICK producer, Basil Iwanyk. Erica Lee will also produce with Iwanyk through their Thunder Road banner (WIND RIVER), along with Jeff Waxman (MOTHER!). Brubaker is probably most famous for reintroducing Bucky Barnes as the Winter Soldier in the Captain America comics, and the character has been in several Marvel movies already (played by Sebastian Stan). 

The story of KILL OR BE KILLED follows a college student who decides to kill himself but ultimately survives. He soon discovers that it was a demon who saved his life and that he now owes the demon a hefty price. If he is to stay alive he must kill other people, and for every person he kills, he adds one month to his life. No word on when production is set to begin, as Stahleski also has JOHN WICH: CHAPTER THREE to handle, as well as the remake of HIGHLANDER.

Stahleski did an amazing job with both JOHN WICK movies, and I’m anxious to see what else he can do outside the realm of that character. He’s got a lot on his plate, so hopefully, he can juggle everything without it detracting from the movies. The story of KILL OR BE KILLED reminds me of DEATH NOTE, but if they sought Stahleski then perhaps there’s room for more fast-paced action and less sulking in the rain.