The Future of John Wick: Confirmed but Uncertain
It’s official—Keanu Reeves is returning as John Wick for the highly anticipated fifth installment of the franchise. While the news excites fans eager to see more of the iconic assassin’s story, questions loom large about how the filmmakers will continue the saga after the dramatic events of John Wick: Chapter 4. The ending of the fourth film has left many puzzled, particularly because it appears to depict John Wick’s death, raising the question: how can Reeves reprise the role? Even director Chad Stahelski admits it’s a complex puzzle to solve.
The Shocking Finale of Chapter 4
In the closing moments of John Wick: Chapter 4, the titular character seems to succumb to his injuries after a fierce showdown with his enemies. Audiences even see a shot of John Wick’s gravestone, with characters Winston and the Bowery King bidding farewell. However, crucially, the film shows only Wick collapsing from his wounds, leaving his fate ambiguous. Was this really the end of the legendary hitman? Or is there a way back?
Director Chad Stahelski’s Challenges and Hints
The Hollywood Reporter recently asked Stahelski about the direction of John Wick 5 and whether the story will adhere to the ending of the previous film. Stahelski responded honestly, describing the process as a “bit of a conundrum.” He explained that he and writer Mike Finch, who penned the script for Chapter 4 and is working on the fifth, have a compelling story outline. However, they haven’t yet cracked the puzzle of how to make it all work convincingly.
Stahelski shared, “Once we have a 50-page outline and if we feel it’s solid, we’ll sit down with Keanu Reeves to shape the story. Everyone seems interested, but it’s a matter of whether we can figure out how to make it satisfying.” This indicates that the project is still very much in development, and the creative process is ongoing.
The Uncertainty Surrounding the Franchise’s Future
The director’s comments suggest that John Wick 5 might not be a straightforward continuation and that the team is exploring different possibilities. He mentioned that if they decide the current story doesn’t work, they might discover other ideas that could spawn spin-offs or new projects within the franchise universe. “It’s a great creative exercise,” Stahelski said, “and being in the room, riffing with people we love, is a win regardless.”
When asked if the fifth film is definitely happening, Stahelski responded, “The studio is very eager to make it happen someday. They’ve been supportive and asked us to try. We have some good ideas, and we’re going to give it our best shot.”
What Will John Wick 5 Be About?
While the official confirmation of a fifth film is promising, details remain scarce. Notably, Stahelski has ruled out the possibility of a prequel, stating, “Keanu and I are not interested in going backwards.” Given Reeves’ age—he’s currently 60—the franchise may need to evolve in new ways. In a recent interview, Stahelski hinted that the next chapter could focus on a different story involving John Wick, perhaps exploring new themes or even a different version of the character.
He mentioned, “The saga of John Wick was pretty wrapped up. For a fifth film, we need a fresh story involving John. It’s not about the High Table anymore. Wick has dealt with his grief. It will be a very different kind of story, and I think audiences will be excited to see it.”
The Expanding John Wick Universe
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the next film, the franchise continues to grow rapidly. Beyond the mainline movies, the John Wick Universe includes two spinoff films—Ballerina and a project starring Donnie Yen reprising his Caine character, which is set to start production soon. Additionally, Lionsgate Television has produced The Continental: From the World of John Wick for streaming platforms, and is developing a new series titled John Wick: Under the High Table, with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.
Fans can also look forward to an animated prequel exploring John Wick’s “Impossible Task,” as well as immersive experiences like a recent John Wick-themed attraction in Las Vegas. A highly anticipated AAA video game based on the franchise is also reportedly in development, promising to expand the universe even further.
The Road Ahead for Keanu Reeves and the Franchise
As the franchise continues to evolve, Reeves’ age and the character’s longevity pose interesting questions. Although Reeves appears ageless on screen, he is in fact 60 years old, which may eventually lead to a different portrayal of Wick or a shift in narrative focus. Stahelski has suggested that future stories could explore new angles, possibly involving a different approach to the character’s journey, making the saga fresh and engaging for fans.
Derek Shaw
Derek is a seasoned film critic and cinephile with a deep appreciation for storytelling, cinematography, and character development. He covers everything from mainstream blockbusters to indie films and international cinema. With a unique voice and thoughtful perspective, Derek offers reviews, deep dives, and behind-the-scenes insights that resonate with both casual viewers and hardcore movie fans.
