In a stunning display of generosity that has once again cemented his reputation as Hollywood’s most beloved actor, Keanu Reeves, famed for his role as the relentless assassin John Wick, reportedly spent an astonishing $1 billion to gift custom Rolex watches to the four stunt doubles who risked life and limb alongside him during the filming of John Wick: Chapter 4. This extravagant gesture, revealed in late 2021 following the wrap of the film’s production, has sparked widespread admiration, debate, and skepticism across the entertainment industry and beyond. Known for his down-to-earth demeanor and history of charitable acts, Reeves’ latest move has left fans and critics alike marveling at the scale of his gratitude—though some question the feasibility of the reported figure. As of June 19, 2025, the story continues to captivate, blending Hollywood glamour with tales of camaraderie and largesse.
The Gift That Shocked the World
The saga began when production on John Wick: Chapter 4 concluded in Paris in October 2021. Reeves, ever the appreciator of his crew’s hard work, invited stuntmen Bruce Concepcion, Jeremy Marinas, Dave Camarillo, and Li Qiang to a celebratory dinner at Bistrot Paul Bert. There, he presented each with a personalized Rolex Submariner watch, a luxury timepiece retailing for approximately $9,000 to $14,645 depending on the model and market conditions. Each watch was engraved with the inscription “The John Wick Five,” a nod to the tight-knit group of Reeves and his four stunt doubles, along with individual messages such as “Thank you Keanu JW4 2021” and the recipient’s name. The gesture was captured on social media, with Marinas calling it the “best wrap gift ever” in an Instagram post, igniting a global buzz.
However, the narrative took an unexpected turn when reports emerged suggesting the total value of the gifts reached $1 billion. This figure, which vastly exceeds the combined retail price of four Rolex Submariners (even at secondary market premiums of $25,000 to $30,000 per watch), has fueled speculation. If accurate, it would imply an extraordinary level of customization or an additional, undisclosed component to the gift—perhaps a broader financial bonus or an investment in the stuntmen’s futures. Reeves’ history of generosity, including gifting Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the Matrix Reloaded stunt team and reportedly donating millions to charities, lends credence to the idea that he might have gone beyond mere watches. Yet, without official confirmation, the $1 billion claim remains a subject of intrigue and doubt.
A Legacy of Generosity
Keanu Reeves has long been celebrated for his kindness, a trait that stands in stark contrast to the tough-guy personas he portrays on screen. His philanthropy is well-documented, with anonymous donations to children’s hospitals and cancer research estimated in the tens of millions. During the production of The Matrix sequels, he famously declined a significant portion of his backend salary—rumored to be $75 million to $100 million—redirecting it to the costume and special effects teams. This pattern of rewarding those behind the scenes suggests that the Rolex gifts, even if exaggerated in value, align with his character.
The John Wick franchise, known for its elaborate stunt choreography, owes much of its success to the stunt community. Reeves, who performs many of his own stunts, has a deep respect for these unsung heroes. The Rolex Submariner, a rugged yet elegant dive watch first introduced by Rolex in 1953, was a fitting choice—symbolizing durability and style, qualities mirrored by the stuntmen’s work. The watches’ engravings personalize the gift, transforming a luxury item into a memento of their shared journey on John Wick: Chapter 4, which grossed over $440 million worldwide upon its 2022 release.
The $1 Billion Mystery
The claim of a $1 billion expenditure has raised eyebrows. A straightforward calculation based on four Rolex Submariners, even at inflated secondary market prices, totals far less—likely between $36,000 and $120,000. This discrepancy has led to various theories. Some suggest a mistranslation or exaggeration in early reports, where “billion” might have been a miscommunication for “million” or a typo for a smaller figure like $1 million. Others propose that Reeves may have included a substantial cash bonus or investment alongside the watches, pushing the total value into the billions. Posts found on X and various entertainment outlets have speculated wildly, with some users joking that Reeves might have bought the entire Rolex company to fulfill his promise.
Reeves himself has remained characteristically silent on the specifics, maintaining his low-profile stance. In a 2019 interview with People, he expressed a philosophy of not valuing money for its own sake, stating, “Money doesn’t mean anything to me. I’ve made a lot of money, but I want to enjoy life and not stress myself building my bank account.” This mindset supports the idea that he might have made a grand gesture, but the $1 billion figure seems implausible without further evidence. Industry insiders suggest the true cost might be closer to $1 million if it included additional financial support, a figure still extraordinary but more aligned with his past acts.
Impact on the Stunt Community
The gifts have had a profound impact on Concepcion, Marinas, Camarillo, and Qiang, elevating their status within the stunt community. The Rolex Submariner, a coveted item often unattainable due to Rolex’s limited production and high demand, represents not just financial value but also recognition of their skill and bravery. Social media posts from the stuntmen, including photos of the dinner and close-ups of the engravings, have gone viral, inspiring discussions about the undervalued role of stunt performers in cinema.
This act also highlights a broader issue: the lack of formal recognition for stunt work. Despite their critical role in action films, stunt performers rarely receive awards or significant bonuses. Reeves’ gesture has sparked calls for greater industry support, with some advocating for a dedicated stunt category at the Oscars. The John Wick series, with its reputation for groundbreaking action sequences, serves as a perfect platform for such advocacy, and Reeves’ actions may catalyze change.
