Boban Marjanovic recalls filming John Wick with Keanu Reeves: 'I was so starstruck'

It wasn't just basketball and his towering presence that made the former NBA star a standout. As his popularity grew, the big Serb began receiving attention from the film industry. His frame and unique charm made him a natural fit for the big screen. He was cast in his first significant film role in Los Angeles.

"Later, I got a call for a few films, but the biggest was John Wick," Marjanovic said. "I was sitting there reading the script, and I was sitting there with Keanu Reeves. And I was just looking at him like, 'Okay, film me now, guys; come on, film this. We were rehearsing some lines, and then he said a line, and I was staring at him, completely transfixed… Just seeing it had me completely blown away."

Playing the part

The former NBA star played Ernest, a fearsome antagonist who engages in a memorable fight with the titular character, John Wick. The fight scene, set in the New York Public Library, has become one of the most iconic moments in the series. Earnest's massive size contrasts with Reeves' agility, making the battle physically intense and highly strategic.

The fight scene in the library stands out not just because of the high-octane action but also because of the choreography that emphasizes Marjanovic's ability to move with surprising speed despite his size. Being an action movie, the Serbian played the role perfectly, almost as if he had been in the acting industry for so long. But this was his first serious role in a top movie.

He appeared in the 2015 Serbian sports drama "We Will Be the World Champions." From towering over his opponents on the court to becoming a formidable presence in action films, his transition from basketball to Hollywood is an inspiring example of how athletes can reinvent themselves.