John Wick 5 Officially in Development: What to Expect
Lionsgate has officially announced the development of John Wick 5 during their presentation at CinemaCon, confirming that both Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski will reprise their roles. The series celebrated its inception in 2014, leading to three sequels—including the recent John Wick: Chapter 4, released in 2023. While the fourth installment appeared to wrap up Wick’s saga, there have been murmurs about a potential fifth film despite Wick’s seemingly definitive fate at the conclusion of the last chapter. Director Stahelski has hinted that the creation of a new sequel hinges on discovering a compelling narrative.
Adam Fogelson, the chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, elaborated on the film’s return during the CinemaCon event in Las Vegas. He confirmed that Reeves and Stahelski are collaborating once again on the upcoming installment. The production team will also see the return of Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. While no specific plot details have been unveiled yet, Fogelson emphasized the filmmakers’ commitment to finding an exciting new direction:
“Keanu, Chad, Basil, and Erica would not return unless they had something truly phenomenal and fresh to say with these characters and this world. We can’t wait for audiences to see where the journey takes us next.”
Following this, Iwanyk and Lee expressed their eagerness about progressing the story, indicating that this announcement marks a thrilling beginning for Wick’s future:
“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.”
What This Means for the Future of John Wick
Reeves Sways on the Chances of a Sequel
The recent announcement comes after Keanu Reeves expressed skepticism about a fifth installment in earlier interviews. In December, he humorously noted that despite his desire for another sequel, his knees suggested otherwise. Moreover, in March, Reeves confirmed that his character did not survive the events of Chapter 4, stating: “the character’s dead.”However, it seems both Stahelski and Reeves have discovered a worthy narrative that justifies resurrecting John Wick.
While the exact storyline remains under wraps, it appears that audiences will have to wait a bit for John Wick 5. Reeves will first reprise his role in the Ballerina spinoff featuring Ana de Armas, scheduled for release on June 6. Furthermore, Stahelski’s commitments to a Highlander remake with Henry Cavill may delay production on Wick 5, potentially pushing its release to 2028.
Insights on the John Wick Franchise’s Evolution
Chapter 4 Opens New Possibilities for Wick
The news of John Wick 5 is not entirely unexpected, given the success of Chapter 4. What differentiates this announcement is the clearer narrative trajectory that has emerged, instilling hope that this project may not linger in development limbo for long. The fourth installment received the best reviews in the franchise and grossed an impressive $440 million worldwide, signaling strong audience interest.
The conclusion of Chapter 4 intricately leaves room for more storytelling, as evident in the scene where Wick’s dog appears to be searching for him, suggesting he might still be alive. This flexibility aligns with the franchise’s often non-realistic approach to storytelling. Although further specifics regarding John Wick 5 are yet to be revealed, it seems the beloved hitman’s journey is far from over.
Source: Lionsgate