“Yeah I kicked the sh*t out of John Wick” - Patrick Beverley recalls the time Boban Marjanovic said he beat up Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves, Boban Marjanovic, and Patrick Beverley
© Mike DiNovo, Stephen Lew, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Rockets big man Boban Marjanovic is arguably the most lovable player in the NBA. A fan favorite across the league, Bobi is by all accounts a friendly giant.
Standing at 7 foot 4, Marjanovic’s frame has its perks beyond the basketball court, most notably in Hollywood as a paid actor. His greatest triumph away from the hardwood was playing a key role in the popular “John Wick” movie series, and while shooting the film in 2018, he revealed some hilarious behind-the-scenes moments to former teammate Patrick Beverley.
The big man on the big screen
The John Wick series is spearheaded by lead actor Keanu Reeves and is set to release its 4th installment in 2023. The hard-hitting action thrillers have generated over $306 million at the box office, and Reeves has been sensational in his performances.
Marjanovic was a welcomed addition to the film's suite of villains, going toe-to-toe with Reeves in his appearance, and eventually losing out during the scene.
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According to the gangly Center, fighting Reeves in itself was an experience, as the two ventured into real hand-to-hand combat beyond the acting.
Bobi went rogue
Recently on his podcast, Los Angeles Lakers guard Patrick Beverley recalled asking Marjanovic about the scene.
“My old teammate Bobi, so he was playing on the Clippers when he was filming John Wick," Beverley said. "So he comes to practice and I’m like ‘Hey, what you do. Like obviously you die but was it a painful death?’ He said, ‘Yeah I kicked the sh*t out of John Wick.’ I asked if it was a real kick and he was like ‘Yeah, it was pretty real.’
Boban’s recollection of the scene is hilarious, especially considering he did get some good blows in before he is abruptly killed with a library book by Reeves.
Nevertheless, it was a fantastic cameo and made for a great story with his teammates.
Hollywood is calling
Marjanovic and Beverley shared a locker room for a single season in 2018. Following his stint in California, the Serbian international suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks before making his way to the Rockets this offseason in a trade that landed talented forward Christian Wood in Dallas.
Bobi is currently on the back end of his career and out of the rotation in Houston. But lucky for us, we may see Marjanovic on the big screen again sooner rather than later.
