He was the former hitman with a major axe to grind in the 2014 film John Wick.

And on Friday, Keanu Reeves showed no mercy as he filmed a gripping fight scene for the thriller's sequel John Wick 2 in Manhattan.

The 51-year-old's character did not go unscathed, as he was spotted with fake cuts and scrapes across his face.

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Back in action! Keanu Reeves had fake blood and scrapes on his face as he filmed John Wick 2 in Manhattan on Friday

Keanu was sharply dressed for the fight scene, clad in a crisp dark grey suit and a white shirt.

However, The Matrix star discarded his jacket once the action-packed fight scene commenced.

The bearded actor threw a punch while gripping a roaring adversary around the throat.

Packing a punch! Reeves gripped an actor's throat as he threw a punch during an action-packed fight scene

Taking him down! The Matrix Reloaded actor pulled another actor down by the bar in another moment from the fight scene

During a break from the fighting, Keanu looked worn out as he puffed on his cigarette.

The 2014 revenge and redemption thriller John Wick was both a box office success and lauded by critics for its fast-paced action sequences and stylish cinematography.

It drew on Keanu's martial arts abilities and reunited him with his stunt doubles from the Matrix.

Take five! The actor appeared to be taking a smoke break during a breather from the gruelling fight scenes

He's smokin! The Sweet November actor looked relaxed as he took some time for himself

John Wick was a hit man for the Russian mob who retired after falling in love and getting married.

After his wife dies, he receives the gift of a beagle puppy along with a letter from his deceased wife telling him she arranged for him to get the dog named Daisy to keep him company following her death.

But when Russian mobsters, unaware of his identity, killed the beagle, Wick sets out on a path of revenge that leads all the way to the top of the mob and his former boss.

Suited and booted! The 51-year-old was surrounded by production crew as he awaited his next move, looking sharp in his crisp suit

So far, very few details are known about the upcoming sequel.

Common has joined the John Wick 2 cast as the film's new villian,The Hollywood Reporter revealed on Monday.

John Wick 2 is slated for a 2016 release date.