In a recent update, Keanu Reeves officially confirmed the character's death almost two years after the film's debut, which should eliminate the possibility of John Wick franchise has an impressive box-office streak, which has sured $1 billion worldwide — and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
The franchise has consistently increased its commercial success with each John Wick timeline officially debunks any optimistic theories about the character. As it mostly risks undermining the satisfying conclusion of John Wick 4, a 5th movie would face a significant challenge in justifying its existence, and it's best that his story ends here.
Keanu Reeves Has Played Down John Wick's Return From The Dead
Keanu Reeves Is Doubtful John Wick Has A Future Beyond John Wick 4
In an interview with Reeves' response to John Wick's potential return disappointing, the actor provides a very direct response. Explaining that his character will be present in Ballerina, Reeves reveals there are no plans for another continuation in the John Wick franchise. The actor, synonymous with the franchise, has declared the character definitively dead, and has effectively closed the book on John Wick's story. While a John Wick 5 can't be completely dismissed, these remarks make it considerably less likely.
Reeves told Extra TV, "You know, the character's dead. He died in 'John Wick: Chapter 4.' I know, in Hollywood you can... I know, I know, it's the Hollywood story. Right now, there isn't." ittedly, these comments come months after the actor's discussion with CBS News towards the end of last year, in which Reeves itted "my heart [wants another John Wick movie]. But my knees are saying right now, 'You can't do another John Wick.'" It appears Reeves is open to future projects, but prioritizes respecting the artistic integrity of his character's death, preserving its impact and his legacy.
John Wick Coming Back From The Dead Would Be A Mistake
It Would Prove Challenging To See Keanu Reeves Return
John Wick 4 conclusively provides a superb ending for the infamous character. While he persists on his quest to take out the High Table, Wick is later offered the opportunity to duel with the villain, The Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård) in exchange for his freedom. Although the character has been incredibly resilient throughout the franchise, there has to be limits to Wick's mortality. At his core, Wick is just a man, and he is not superhuman. Some injuries and losses are simply beyond recovery, and this is certainly the case in the last moments of John Wick 4.
Forget John Wick 5, This Is The Keanu Reeves Franchise That Needs Another Movie
There's been a lot of speculation and excitement about John Wick 5, but there's a different Keanu Reeves action franchise that needs a new sequel.
His death in John Wick 4 is an excellent ending for the character because it provides a sense of closure, and gives the story some finality and peace. Although the the events of John Wick 4.
Why John Wick 5 With Keanu Reeves Probably Will Happen
Hollywood Loves Cashing In On A Franchise And John Wick Is No Exception
John Wick has become one of Hollywood's most popular action franchises. Considering how much attention and traction it has gained over recent years, it seems probable that a 5th film will take place regardless of the circumstances. Director, Chad Stahelski, has proven this by including an interesting moment during the credits of John Wick 4. Wick's dog is seen to react to someone off-screen during the film's final scene in the graveyard, which indicates that a new movie remains a strong possibility. Following the character's poignant death, the post-credits sparked conversation after its premiere, which ironically kept the franchise alive.
John Wick Film |
Year |
Budget |
Worldwide Box Office |
|---|---|---|---|
John Wick |
2014 |
$20-30 million |
$86 million |
John Wick: Chapter 2 |
2017 |
$40+ million |
$174.3 million |
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum |
2019 |
$75 million |
$327.7 million |
John Wick: Chapter 4 |
2023 |
$100 million |
$440.1 million |
To say nothing of this being Hollywood, and John Wick being an incredibly successful franchise. Interestingly, every John Wick movie has impressively made four times its budget, proving that the franchise has an incredibly successful formula that Hollywood would be remiss not to capitalize on. This, alongside John Wick's established audience, makes it an incredibly enticing venture. Stahelski's comments suggest that he may come up with a compelling story for a new sequel — and even if Reeves were not to reprise his role in John Wick 5, the movie would still likely find great success with another actor as lead.
How Keanu Reeves' John Wick Could Return
John Wick 5 Ideally Needs To Be A Prequel For Reeves' Return
It is clear that Keanu Reeves' participation in John Wick 5 hinges on a script that is logical, as well as honors his character's ending. Reeves must be on board with the director's vision. A new installment could include the destruction of the High Table or seeing Wick perish for good — but both of these feel disingenuous. It may be more fitting for the studio to keep Wick's character dead and opt to move to an earlier point in the narrative with a prequel. This would eliminate the need for a fakeout, and deepen our understanding of the character's past.
Ultimately, there are several ways that Reeves could remain in consideration for John Wick 5, but the franchise must ensure any future involvement respects his character and avoids altering the finality of his story.
Awarding the character a prequel is a suitable way to provide audiences with more on-screen time with Reeves, without it feeling underhand. A prequel detailing Wick's earlier work would strengthen his reputation and make his abilities more plausible. Not to mention, it would be the ideal opportunity to feature far more stars who could appear as previous characters in flashbacks to past missions. Ultimately, there are several ways that Reeves could remain involved in John Wick 5, but the franchise must ensure any future involvement respects his character and avoids altering the finality of his story — such as Ballerina is.
Source: CBS News
John Wick
- Created by
- Derek Kolstad
- First Film
- John Wick
- Latest Film
- John Wick: Chapter 4
Summary
"John Wick" is a neo-noir action-thriller franchise centered around a retired hitman who returns to the criminal underworld to seek vengeance. Known for its intense and stylistic action sequences, the franchise has redefined modern action cinema with its choreographed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate world-building. The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and survival in a secret society of assassins.
