John Wick 5 Release Updates: While Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of the iconic hitman John Wick has been a defining part of the series, there’s a possibility that the franchise could continue even without him. This month, fans will get a taste of the broader John Wick universe with the prequel series The Continental, which will stream exclusively on Peacock over three nights. However, the question remains: will John Wick’s story truly end with Chapter 4, or is a fifth movie on the horizon? Let’s dive into what we know so far about the potential for John Wick: Chapter 5.
Will John Wick 5 Happen?
After the success of John Wick: Chapter 4, which grossed over $426 million globally, Lionsgate is clearly eager to continue the franchise. Joe Drake, Chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, hinted earlier this year that the studio is not ready to say goodbye to Keanu Reeves and the world of John Wick just yet.
Originally, Chapter 4 was supposed to be filmed alongside its sequel, but the COVID-19 pandemic and scheduling conflicts derailed those plans. While director Chad Stahelski had previously expressed that he and Keanu were “done for the moment,” the box office success of Chapter 4 has led to a shift in perspective. Stahelski now acknowledges that there are still numerous action sequences and story ideas that could be explored in future installments.
In fact, Stahelski recently shared that he and Reeves have discussed the possibility of creating more John Wick movies. However, the question remains: what more can be added to the story? Stahelski believes that if they were to move forward, it would need to be something fresh and meaningful, saying, “How many more times can I beat him up?”
Producer Basil Iwanyk also hinted that Stahelski and Reeves would soon be discussing the future of John Wick during a trip to Japan. According to Iwanyk, if they come up with a compelling reason to continue the story in a way that feels organic, then John Wick 5 could very well be in the cards.
What Will John Wick 5 Be About?
One of the main challenges for John Wick 5 is finding a new direction for the story. While Stahelski has a wealth of ideas for action-packed sequences, he is still uncertain about the overarching narrative. He told Empire that, at the moment, he doesn’t have a concrete vision for the next movie but is open to inspiration striking at any time. He also emphasized the importance of keeping things fresh and not simply rehashing what’s already been done in the first four films.
Stahelski’s openness to new ideas shows his commitment to evolving the franchise, ensuring that any potential sequel would offer something new for both fans and newcomers alike.
Will Keanu Reeves Return?
It would be hard to imagine a John Wick film without its star, Keanu Reeves. Despite the character’s apparent death at the end of Chapter 4, an alternate ending was shot where John is revealed to be alive, and his body was never actually shown. This leaves the door open for his return in future films.
Stahelski recently joked that if Reeves were asked whether he would return for John Wick 5, his answer would be an enthusiastic “F*** yeah!” However, the decision would depend on the story, and as Stahelski puts it, “If I was driving in the car or I was just walking the dog and an idea hit me, within 30 seconds, I’d be on the phone with Keanu and we’d be riffing.”
While Stahelski is open to passing the torch to another director if a compelling pitch comes his way, he also acknowledged his deep attachment to the series and the control he has over it. He’s unlikely to step away from John Wick easily.
Updates on John Wick Spinoffs
Even as discussions about John Wick 5 continue, the franchise is expanding with multiple spinoff projects. The first of these is The Continental, a prequel series that will explore the origins of the iconic hotel for assassins, featuring a young Winston Scott (Colin Woodell). The three-part series will premiere on Peacock, starting September 22, with the next episodes arriving on September 29 and October 6.
Another spinoff, Ballerina, is slated for release in theaters on July 7, 2024. This film will follow a member of the Ruska Roma crime family, introduced in John Wick: Chapter 3, and stars Ana de Armas, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. Reeves, Ian McShane (Winston), and the late Lance Reddick (Charon) are also set to make cameo appearances. Set between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, Ballerina is directed by Len Wiseman.
Lionsgate has also teased more spinoffs in development, including a video game, with several other projects expected to expand the John Wick universe. Joe Drake mentioned that the studio is committed to building a broader world with regular spinoffs, television shows, and films, ensuring the John Wick universe remains vibrant for years to come.
Conclusion
While the future of John Wick 5 remains uncertain, the success of Chapter 4 and the ongoing development of spinoffs like The Continental and Ballerina prove that the franchise is far from over. Whether Keanu Reeves returns for another round as the dog-loving hitman or the story moves in a new direction, fans can rest assured that the world of John Wick will continue to evolve. Stay tuned for more updates as the saga unfolds!
FAQs
1. Will Keanu Reeves Return for John Wick 5?
Keanu Reeves has expressed interest in returning for John Wick 5, but the decision will depend on the story and creative direction. If the right idea comes to them, Reeves and director Chad Stahelski are open to continuing the franchise.
2. What Is The Continental?
The Continental is a prequel series set in the John Wick universe, focusing on the early life of Winston Scott and the origins of the iconic hotel for assassins. It will stream on Peacock starting September 22, 2023.
3. When Is the Ballerina Movie Coming Out?
Ballerina will hit theaters on July 7, 2024. It follows a member of the Ruska Roma crime family and features new characters as well as cameos from familiar faces like Keanu Reeves and Ian McShane.
4. Are There Any More John Wick Spinoffs?
Yes! Lionsgate is developing several spinoffs, including The Continental, Ballerina, and more, with potential television series and video games expanding the John Wick universe.
5. What Is the Status of John Wick 5?
As of now, the story for John Wick 5 is still in development, with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves considering new ideas. The future of the franchise will depend on finding a fresh and compelling direction.
