Chad Stahelski
Stahelski (born September 20, 1968) is an American stuntman and filmmaker. He is considered a highly-influential figure in the action film genre. He first achieved prominence as a stunt performer and coordinator, notably as the key stunt double for Keanu Reeves on The Matrix (1999), and as the martial arts stunt coordinator on its first two sequels.
Chad Stahelski

Kevin Paul · CC BY 4.0
- Name
- Chad Stahelski
- Born
- 20 September 1968
- Birthplace
- Palmer, Massachusetts, US
- Occupation
- * Film director
- Nationality
- United States
- Fields
- acting · film direction
- Languages
- English
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Stahelski (born September 20, 1968) is an American stuntman and filmmaker. He is considered a highly-influential figure in the action film genre. He first achieved prominence as a stunt performer and coordinator, notably as the key stunt double for Keanu Reeves on The Matrix (1999), and as the martial arts stunt coordinator on its first two sequels.
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Chad Stahelski (born 1968) is an American actor, director and film director, among other activities. The actor was born in Palmer. Chad Stahelski is active in acting and film direction. Languages used include English.
Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 26 September 2026
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wikidata · Q22277301 · wikipedia · Chad Stahelski
In this article
Biography
Biography
He subsequently directed the 2014 film John Wick, starring Reeves, and its three sequels.
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Chad Stahelski • Born — 20 September 1968 • Birthplace — Palmer, Massachusetts, US • Alma Mater — University of Southern California • Occupation — * Film director • stunt coordinator • second unit director • actor • Years Active — 1992–present
Martial arts training
Martial arts training
Stahelski was born in Palmer, Massachusetts, to Gary and Kathleen Stahelski (née Diamond) in 1968. He began training in martial arts from a young age. He studied Jeet Kune Do under Dan Inosanto, and for a time was an instructor at Inosanto's school in Los Angeles. Prior to his motion picture career, Stahelski competed in kickboxing and mixed martial arts. He was one of the earliest American competitors in Shooto. He fought Manabu Yamada in a 1993 Shooto event, losing in the first round from a kneebar submission. Stahelski is an alumnus of the University of Southern California.
Stuntman (1993–2013)
Stuntman (1993–2013)
Stahelski and fellow stuntman Jeff Cadiente served as stunt doubles for the actor Brandon Lee on the 1994 film The Crow. Accidentally wounded on set on March 31, 1993, by defective blank ammunition, Lee later died in hospital during surgery. Stahelski completed the remaining filming in place of Lee and special effects were used to superimpose Lee's face onto Stahelski. In 1997, Stahelski co-founded action design company 87Eleven with David Leitch. The company has since split between an action design company and a production company, 87North Productions. He worked as a stunt double for his future John Wick star Keanu Reeves in The Matrix franchise, and later served as a stunt co-ordinator for the films. Stahelski states that his experience working with martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping heavily influenced his own approach to stunts. In 2009, Stahelski was second-unit director and stunt co-ordinator on Ninja Assassin along with David Leitch, produced by Matrix directors The Wachowskis. In 2012, on the set of the film The Expendables 2 for which Stahelski served as stunt coordinator, stuntman Kun Liu was killed by an explosion on set. Liu's family sued Stahelski following the accident.
Director (2014–present)
Director (2014–present)
• Illustration — Stahelski at the John Wick red carpet premiere in Austin, Texas, September 19, 2014 In 2014, Stahelski made his feature directorial debut when he co-directed the action thriller film John Wick along with Leitch, based on the screenplay by Derek Kolstad. The film starred Keanu Reeves and Michael Nyqvist, and was released on October 24, 2014, by Summit Entertainment, grossing over $88 million. Stahelski acted as sole director for the film's 2017 sequel, John Wick: Chapter 2, and again for the third film, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) and fourth film, John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023). He also served as the second unit director for the reshoots of Birds of Prey. In 2021, Stahelski returned to The Matrix franchise for its fourth installment, The Matrix Resurrections, making a cameo appearance as Trinity's "husband".
Upcoming
Upcoming
In March 2023, Stahelski clarified that a remake of Highlander as well as adaptations of Rainbow Six, Ghost of Tsushima, Black Samurai for Netflix, and Shibumi for Warner Bros. were the projects he was currently developing to produce and direct. In July 2023, Adult Swim announced Lazarus, an upcoming original anime television series directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, with Stahelski designing the action sequences. In February 2024, Lionsgate appointed Stahelski to oversee the John Wick and Highlander franchises. Stahelski will have creative oversight across film, TV and all multimedia platforms. Other projects he has been attached to in the past include Analog, and adaptations of Kill or Be Killed, and Sandman Slim.
Personal life
Personal life
Stahelski was married to fellow stunt performer Heidi Moneymaker, but they divorced in 2018. Stahelski was a friend of Brandon Lee and worked as his double. They trained together at the Inosanto Academy.
Identity
Identity
Chad Stahelski is recorded as actor, kickboxer, stunt performer, film producer and screenwriter.
Films
• Year — Title — Director — Producer — Notes • 2014 — John Wick • 2017 — John Wick: Chapter 2 • 2019 — John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum — Executive • 2020 — Bruised — Executive • 2022 — Day Shift • 2023 — John Wick: Chapter 4 • 2025 — Ballerina — Uncredited • 2027 — Karoshi • TBA — Highlander • Caine — Also Story Writer Second-unit director • Year — Title — Director — Notes • 2009 — Ninja Assassin — James McTeigue — Alongside David Leitch • 2011 — Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows — Guy Ritchie • 2012 — The Expendables 2 — Simon West • Safe — Boaz Yakin • 2013 — After Earth — M. Night Shyamalan — Alongside Jeff Habberstad • Escape Plan — Mikael Håfström — Alongside David Leitch • The Hunger Games: Catching Fire — Francis Lawrence — Also supervising stunt co-ordinator • 2015 — Hitman: Agent 47 — Aleksander Bach — Alongside David Leitch • 2016 — Grimsby — Louis Leterrier • Captain America: Civil War — Anthony and Joe Russo — Alongside David Leitch • 2020 — Birds of Prey — Cathy Yan — Also stunt coordinator Stuntwork • Year — Title — Notes • 1994 — The Crow — Brandon Lee-Stunt Double (Reshoots Uncredited) Credited As Chad Storelson • 1996 — Escape from L.A. • 1997 — Bean • Orgazmo • 1998 — Recoil • Almost Heroes • The Hunted — Stunts/Stunt Coordinator • 1999 — 8mm • The Matrix — Keanu Reeves' Stunt Double • Wild Wild West • 2000 — Picking Up The Pieces • The Replacements — (Keanu Reeves' Stunt Double (Uncredited) • The Gift — Uncredited stunts • 2001 — Tomcats • Ghosts of Mars • Rock Star • Corky Romano • 2003 — The Matrix Reloaded — Martial Arts Stunt Coordinator • The Matrix Revolutions • 2004 — Torque — Stunt Driver (Uncredited) • Van Helsing — Fight Coordinator/Assistant Stunt Coordinator • Spider-Man 2 — Uncredited • Cellular — Utility Stunts (Uncredited) • 2005 — Thumbsucker • Constantine — Fight Choreographer (Uncredited) • XXX: State of the Union • Mr. & Mrs. Smith — Utility Stunts • The Dukes of Hazzard — Johnny Knoxville-Stunt Double (Uncredited) • Serenity — Stunt Coordinator • Æon Flux — Uncredited • V for Vendetta • 2006 — Beerfest — Stunt Coordinator • 300 — Fight Choreographer • 2007 — Next • Live Free or Die Hard • Shoot 'Em Up — Uncredited • I Am Legend • 2008 — Jumper • 2008 — Speed Racer — Supervising Stunt Coordinator • 2009 — X-Men Origins: Wolverine — Action Coordinator • Ninja Assassin — Stunt Coordinator • 2010 — Iron Man 2 — Utility Stunts • The Expendables — Stunt Coordinator • Tron: Legacy — Uncredited • 2011 — Season of the Witch • The Mechanic — Stunt Coordinator • Immortals — Fight Choreographer • 2012 — Safe — Supervising Stunt Coordinator • Dredd — Action Coordinator • 2013 — G.I. Joe: Retaliation — Assistant Stunt Coordinator • 2013 — The Wolverine — Stunt Coordinator (Uncredited) • 47 Ronin • Homefront • 2014 — Captain America: The Winter Soldier — Uncredited • 2018 — Deadpool 2 • 2024 — Deadpool & Wolverine Actor • Year — Title — Role — Notes • 1995 — Nemesis 2: Nebula — Nebula • 1995 — Fight Zone — Ski • 1997 — Bloodsport III — Max Omega • 1998 — Vampires — Male Master No. 4 • 1998 — Buffy the Vampire Slayer — Kulak — Episode: Homecoming • 2021 — The Matrix Resurrections — Chad Other • Year — Title — Role — Notes • 2025 — Wick Is Pain — Himself — Also executive producer, documentary film
Literature
Literature
Literature
FOUR / Hong Kong Action in Transit: The Postmillennial Stunt Craftwork of Chad Stahelski and Dayna Grant, Experts in Action, 2021
Criminality in Movies (Analysis of Criminality Element in John Wick 2014 by Chad Stahelski), Jurnal Multidisiplin Dehasen (MUDE), 2023
Scholarly footprint
Literature
Scholarly footprint
A count of publications is evidence of attention, not of standing, and is given here only as a measure.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Hemphill, Jim. Chad Stahelski Is Reinventing How Action Sequences Get Made. IndieWire. November 29, 2023.
- 2.Martin, Paul. Interview with Chad Stahelski (Martial Arts Stunt Coordinator, Neo Stunt Double) from The Matrix Reloaded / Revolutions (2003). Matrix Fans. August 13, 2012.
- 3.Meet the Team At 87eleven Action Design. www.87eleven.net.
- 4.Sherdog.com. Chad Stahelski MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com. Sherdog.
- 5.USC Cinematic Arts School of Cinematic Arts Events. cinema.usc.edu.
- 6.Robey, Tim. Brandon Lee, Michael Massee and the 'curse' of The Crow. The Daily Telegraph. October 27, 2016.
- 7.The Crow cast deals with Brandon's Lee death. EW.com.
- 8.O'Falt, Chris. BTL Influencers: 87-Eleven's Chad Stahelski and David Leitch. IndieWire. December 3, 2019.
- 9.Chad Stahelski. IMDb.
- 10.O'Connell, Mikey. 'John Wick' Filmmaker Chad Stahelski Talks Sequels, Oscar Stunt Snubs and Why Guns Still Show Up on Sets. The Hollywood Reporter. March 14, 2023.
- 11.'Expendables 2' Stuntman Death Prompts Family Lawsuit. The Hollywood Reporter. July 26, 2012.
- 12.Cunningham, Todd. Keanu Reeves' 'John Wick' Hits Box-Office Bulls-Eye and Lionsgate's Gamble Pays Off. thewrap.com. October 26, 2014.
- 13.boxofficemojo.com. John Wick (2014).
- 14.WEINTRAUB, STEVE. Exclusive: Chad Stahelski To Direct 'John Wick 2' Solo. collider.com. September 24, 2015.
- 15.Romano, Nick. John Wick 3 brings back Chad Stahelski to direct. Entertainment Weekly.
- 16.McNary, Dave. 'John Wick 4' Confirmed With a 2021 Release Date. Variety. May 20, 2019.
- 17.Lionsgate Sets New Dates for 'John Wick 4,' 'Spiral'. The Hollywood Reporter. May 2020.
- 18.Giardina, Carolyn. 'John Wick 5'? Director Chad Stahelski Says "We're Open To It". The Hollywood Reporter. April 2, 2023.
- 19.'John Wick' Director Chad Stahelski to Oversee New Action Scenes for 'Birds of Prey' (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. August 16, 2019.
- 20.Valenzuela, Ernesto. Why John Wick Director Chad Stahelski Played A Small Role In The Matrix Resurrections [Comic-Con]. /Film. July 23, 2022.
- 21.Brian Gallagher. Highlander Reboot Will Start a Trilogy, Gets Compared to John Wick. MovieWeb. January 30, 2017.
- 22.Kroll, Justin. Sony And PlayStation Productions Developing Ghost of Tsushima Movie With 'John Wick's Chad Stahelski Directing. Deadline. March 25, 2021.
- 23.Wiseman, Andreas. Chad Stahelski & Warner Bros' Assassin Movie Shibumi Finds Writer In Matthew Orton, Stahelski To Direct. Deadline Hollywood. August 18, 2022.
- 24.‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ Director Chad Stahelski Breaks Down the Ending That Made the Studio Say, “Are You Insane?”
- 25.Adult Swim announces new anime series from 'Cowboy Bebop' creator. EW.com.
- 26.Moreau, Jordan. Chad Stahelski Will Oversee Highlander and John Wick Franchises for Lionsgate. Variety Magazine. January 16, 2024.
- 27.Borys Kit. John Wick Director, Colony Creator Tackle Comic Book Analog for Lionsgate (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. May 22, 2018.
- 28.Kit, Borys. John Wick Director Tackling Ed Brubaker Comic Kill or Be Killed (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. December 14, 2017.
- 29.Bui, Hoai-Tran. John Wick Director Chad Stahelski to Direct Dark Fantasy Film Sandman Slim. /Film. February 13, 2018.
- 30.Foutch, Haleigh. 'John Wick' Director Chad Stahelski to Helm Dark Fantasy Sandman Slim for Studio 8. Collider. February 12, 2018.
- 31.HEIDI LOUISE MONEYMAKER STAHELSKI VS CHARLES STAHELSKI. UniCourt.
- 32.Fuster, Jeremy. Studio Slump: Lionsgate's Last 6 Films Have All Been Box Office Busts. TheWrap. October 14, 2024.
- 33.Davids, Brian. 'Ballerina' Director Len Wiseman Talks Scrapped 'John Wick 3' Connections and the Truth About Additional Photography. The Hollywood Reporter. 2025-06-06.
References
Citations
References
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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