Exciting News: John Wick Chapter 5 is Officially in Development
After much anticipation and speculation regarding the future of the beloved franchise, Lionsgate has confirmed that John Wick: Chapter 5 is officially underway. Keanu Reeves will reprise his iconic role, and director Chad Stahelski is also returning to helm this next installment of the action-packed saga, following the dramatic conclusion of the previous film, which featured the demise of the titular assassin.
Lionsgate’s Announcement at CinemaCon
During the recent CinemaCon, Adam Fogelson, the chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, announced that the studio is actively developing the fifth chapter of the John Wick series. This project is a collaborative effort with esteemed producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road, along with Reeves and Stahelski.
“Keanu, Chad, Basil, and Erica would not return unless they had something truly phenomenal and fresh to say with these characters and this world,” Fogelson remarked, highlighting the franchise’s impressive achievement of surpassing $1 billion in global box office sales. “We can’t wait for audiences to see where the journey takes us next.”
Insights from the Producers
In a joint statement, Iwanyk and Lee emphasized the significance of crafting a compelling next chapter for John Wick, stating, “It’s so important to get this story right and give John’s story the proper next step. It’s exciting to take the first step on that road.” Their commitment to quality storytelling sets high expectations for the fifth film.
Success of John Wick: Chapter 4
The latest installment, John Wick: Chapter 4, was released in 2023 and achieved remarkable success, grossing over $440 million worldwide. The film concluded on a somber note, with key characters Winston, played by Ian McShane, and the Bowery King, portrayed by Laurence Fishburne, standing at a grave bearing Wick’s name, leaving audiences eager for the next chapter.
Franchise Expansion
The John Wick franchise kicked off its thrilling journey in 2014, introducing viewers to Reeves as the retired hitman drawn back into the criminal underworld. In addition to Chapter 5, fans can anticipate the release of a spin-off film titled Ballerina, set to hit theaters on June 6. Furthermore, a new series named John Wick: Under the High Table is currently in development, overseen by executive producers Stahelski and Reeves.
The Path Forward
In May 2023, former Lionsgate chair Joe Drake hinted at the potential for a fifth film, describing it as an evolution of the franchise. “We’re building out the world, and when that fifth movie comes, it will be organic — it will be organically grown out of how we’re starting to tell those stories,” he stated, suggesting a carefully considered expansion of the narrative universe.
CinemaCon Overview
CinemaCon serves as a vital annual gathering for exhibitors and Hollywood studios, running this year from March 31 to April 3. Presented by Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theater Owners), the event highlights emerging trends and exciting announcements in the film industry.