AceShowbiz - After four films, a spin-off series, and more to come, it's hard to imagine John Wick driving off into the sunset with his furry companion. Marking the hit action franchise's 10th anniversary, producers David Leitch and Chad Stahelski shared their behind-the-scenes battle to kill off the titular character's puppy in the first installment.

Despite warnings that killing the dog would bring bad luck and alienate the audience, Leitch and Stahelski remained adamant. "We are genre fans to the core. We know those hard-boiled moments make memorable moments," Leitch explained. The film's action-packed premise revolves around John Wick's (Keanu Reeves) bloody quest for revenge after thugs steal his prized car and kill the puppy given to him by his late wife.

Reeves, known for his method acting, emotionally portrayed the death scene with a stuffed dog. The director recalled, "Everyone must have thought, 'This is the worst idea.' But for the next couple of weeks, suggestions arose to shoot an alternative ending with the puppy still alive."

However, Reeves and Basil Iwanyk, Lionsgate's vice chair, defended the producers' vision. "But Keanu stood up for us. And Basil to the investors," Leitch said. Their efforts paid off, as the decision ultimately led to the franchise's $1 billion success.

Leitch and Stahelski's unconventional approach to the animal's death scene played a significant role in mitigating audience backlash. They used a "baby lens" and kept the actual death off-camera, focusing on the aftermath of the puppy crawling towards John.

"We were going to execute people at close range. Killing the dog is one thing, but what about the brutal massacre of all these human beings?" Leitch questioned. "Are they going to be able to accept that?'"