Hollywood has a funny way of bringing the dead back to life, and John Wick is no exception. Just when we thought Keanu Reeves' brooding assassin had taken his final bow in John Wick: Chapter 4, Lionsgate has thrown us a curveball: John Wick 5 is officially in the works. But here's the kicker—Wick was left six feet under in the last film. So, how exactly will he return? And more importantly, will Keanu Reeves be on board? Let's dive into the details.
The confirmation came straight from the horse's mouth—Jenefer Brown, Lionsgate's Head of Global Products & Experiences, who casually dropped the bombshell at a preview event for the John Wick Experience in Las Vegas. “This world continues to grow and expand in incredible ways,” she told ComicBook, teasing not just John Wick 5 but also the upcoming spin-off, Ballerina.
But here's the twist: Keanu Reeves has been adamant that Wick's story is over. “The character is dead. He died,” Reeves stated bluntly in a recent interview. This raises the question: Is Lionsgate banking on Reeves changing his mind, or are they planning to pull a fast one and continue the franchise without its star? Given Reeves' integral role in the series, the former seems more likely—and you can bet Lionsgate is ready to open their wallets wide to make it happen.
The studio's desperation is palpable. After a string of box office flops in 2024 (The Crow, Borderlands, Megalopolis, and others), Lionsgate is in dire need of a win. The John Wick franchise has been a cash cow, with Chapter 4 raking in nearly $200 million domestically and close to half a billion worldwide. It's no wonder they're clinging to this IP like a lifeline.
The John Wick series has always been a masterclass in balancing style and substance. From its meticulously choreographed fight scenes to its minimalist yet evocative storytelling, the franchise has redefined the action genre. But with Chapter 4 wrapping up Wick's arc so definitively, the idea of a fifth film feels like a gamble. Can the series maintain its momentum, or is this a case of beating a dead horse—or in this case, a dead assassin?
Lionsgate's timing is also curious. Rumors of a potential studio sale have been swirling since December, and the announcement of John Wick 5 feels like a strategic move to sweeten the deal for potential buyers. But without Reeves, the franchise loses its soul. The studio's bet on resurrecting Wick could either be a stroke of genius or a catastrophic misstep.
The confirmation of John Wick 5 is equal parts thrilling and perplexing. On one hand, the idea of more high-octane action in the Wick universe is undeniably enticing. On the other, the risk of tarnishing the franchise's legacy by stretching the story too thin is real. Keanu Reeves' involvement remains the linchpin—without him, the film risks feeling like a hollow cash grab. Lionsgate's recent struggles only add to the pressure, making this a make-or-break moment for the studio.
Do you think John Wick 5 can live up to the legacy of its predecessors, or is it time to let the franchise rest in peace? Share your thoughts below!
