Summary
A prominent creative figure behind the successfulJohn Wickfranchise has provided an update on where the development ofJohn Wick: Chapter 5stands. Following the conclusion of 2023’sJohn Wick: Chapter 4, audiences questioned how the potential fifth mainline entry in the series following the titular assassin would progress with and without key characters — a direction extensively explored by the series' creative team, leading to a unique take on how the sequel would play out.
TheJohn Wickseries celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, marking the birth of what would become one of the most iconic film franchises in recent memory. Following the first chapter, the series has seen steady growth with each new entry and resulted in a combined box office gross of one billion dollars, a feat propelled by the positive reception surrounding the dynamic gun-fu choreography and pragmatic presentation of the narrative to ultimately cementJohn Wickas a staple in pop culture. Despite the success of the films, an end was in sight for the eponymous character; the finale ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4saw Keanu Reeves' character succumbing to his wounds following a duel againstDonnie Yen’s blind assassin, Caine. Wick’s closure was further solidified following a scene depicting Ian McShane’s Winston and Laurence Fishburne’s the Bowery King paying their respects at John’s grave. The film wound up serving as the franchise’s capstone, earning $440 million dollars at the global box office and another instance of widespread critical acclaim, gauging growing interest in the world ofJohn Wickdespite the character’s supposed passing.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter,John Wickseries director and co-creator, Chad Stahelski, revealed that he and his creative team have developed “three or four versions” ofJohn Wick: Chapter 5in the last several years. “There’s no topping what we did. That’s the end. That’s the deal. That’s what we found closure for,” Stahelski said regardingJohn Wick:Chapter 4’s ending. “So we have some really good ideas, and it would not be part of that [John Wick: Chapter 4] storyline. It would not be what you would think it is… but as far as [John Wick: Chapter 4], we’ve peaked. At least, I have. That’s my apex. We ended it… We wouldn’t try to add on to that. It’d have to be a completely different storyline.”
BeyondJohn Wick: Chapter 5, a prequel anime feature exploring the task that enabled Wick to retire is in development, along with a television series following supporting characters in theJohnWickworld titledUnder the High Tableand a spin-off film centered on Yen’s Caine.Stahelski is overseeing these projects and morefollowing the expansion of his role at Lionsgate, the distribution company behind the franchise. “We wanted to do the TV show, the anime, and otherJohn Wickprojects and spinoffs, but we needed one person to keep it centered,” Stahelski said. “And as the director of all four films, I was the guy that came up with the mythology, and I was in charge of the tone, so… I’m the gatekeeper, but everyone is welcome.”
Continuing the momentum the firstJohn Wickfilm set in motion a decade ago, the franchise is showing no signs of slowing down. The world ofJohn Wickis bound to find continued success throughnext year’sBallerinaand the trio of spin-offs in development across various mediums, and with Stahelski serving as franchise overseer, the future ofJohn Wickis in safe hands.
