only confirmed cast member of John Wick 5, despite the character's supposed ing in the climax of 2023's John Wick: Chapter 4.

When speaking to EMPIRE, Stahelski addressed how John Wick 5 will carry on the Baba Yaga's tale after the last installment seemingly brought his journey to a close. The director stated that with Wick's story seemingly wrapped, the next installment will be an all-new story removed from his ordeal with the High Table, while also carrying the trademark elements of the franchise. Check out Stahelski's full response below:

“The saga of John Wick was pretty wrapped up. So the only way to do a 5 is to have a new story that involves John Wick. It’s not a continuation, with the High Table. John dealt with his grief. It will be really different, and everybody [will] see the trailer and go, ‘Holy fuck... I gotta see that.’”

What Stahelski's Response May Mean For John Wick 5

The Sequel Has A Difficult Task Of Following An Emotional Climax

With John Wick: Chapter 4 ending Wick's journey by having him succumb to his wounds sustained in his quest to clear his obligations to the High Table, it raises questions about what the fifth installment may entail. While it may have cost him his life, John had finally removed himself from the life he had long tried to put behind him, allowing him to be laid to rest beside his wife. As such, many had been worried that any continuation would override a poignant ending that did the character justice.

However, Stahelski's latest response does offer two potential routes for John Wick 5 to proceed. With the director stating that the High Table will have no involvement, Wick's development can be somewhat withheld, instead framing his fate in the fourth movie as his past finally being put to rest, as the new movie entails a rebirth of the character. Alternatively, and likely the preferable answer, the new direction could hint at the new installment taking place elsewhere within the John Wick timeline.

Our Thoughts On John Wick 5's First Story Details

The Feature Has To Prove The Franchise Can Be Strong After The Paris Showdown

Undoubtedly, many audiences will still have questions about John Wick 5, as Stahelski's response only offers a glimmer of the franchise's future. Though the John Wick universe is expanding with character-focused spin-offs, only the movie centered on Caine (Donnie Yen) is taking place following the events of the fourth movie. This means the spinoff and John Wick 5 will have to prove if the world can expand post-High Table. However, with Stahelski setting out to reassure skeptical viewers, it is clear that care is being taken to move the universe forward.

Source: EMPIRE