‘John Wick’ Creator Transports International Crime to Midwest in ‘Normal’
Derek Kolstad is a Madison native and the screenwriter behind the John Wick films. His newest feature unfolds in the snowy Midwestern town of Normal, Minnesota.
Roots and creative sparks
Kolstad drew early inspiration from late-night PBS noir and childhood reading. He wrote his first screenplay at age 11 or 12 on yellow notepads.
Regional details also inform his work. Drives through rural Wisconsin — yarn barns and old antique shops — sparked ideas about hidden worlds in small towns.
From Madison to Los Angeles
After college Kolstad worked in his family company. He later moved to Chicago and worked with Dale Carnegie training.
A phone call from his brother prompted a cross-country move around 1999 or 2000. He slept on a childhood friend’s couch for two years and describes his rise as a long, slow overnight success.
About Normal — plot and cast
The film follows an interim sheriff, played by Bob Odenkirk. He uncovers a major international conspiracy while temporarily stationed in the town.
The mystery reveals a community where most residents are heavily armed. Lena Headey appears as Moira, a bartender in the town.
Franchise ties and regional callbacks
Kolstad named John Wick after his grandfather, who lived in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. His film Nobody 2 is set in a fictional version of the Wisconsin Dells.
Producer Marc Provissero appears with Kolstad and Odenkirk in publicity photos. Images for the film were provided by Magnolia Pictures.
Writing action and structure
Kolstad approaches action with a clear three-act mindset. He often scripts the opening beats precisely, leaves the middle more impressionistic, and finishes with a strong climax.
He and Odenkirk found a shared language for action scenes. Odenkirk treats fight set pieces like sketch comedy beats, which altered Kolstad’s scripting rhythm.
Festival appearance and interview
Kolstad will return to Madison for the Wisconsin Film Festival on April 11. He will attend a screening of the film followed by a Q&A.
He discussed the new movie and his career in an interview with Filmogaz.com. The conversation was edited for brevity and clarity.
As the John Wick creator, Kolstad transports international crime to the Midwest in this film, using Normal as the stage.
