According to Lionsgate executive Jenefer Brown, John Wick 5 is still in development, despite Keanu Reeves’ firm stance on not reprising his role as the legendary assassin. The John Wick franchise, centered around Reeves’ character—a once-retired hitman who is reluctantly pulled back into the violent underworld he tried to leave behind—has captivated audiences for years. The franchise’s most recent installment, John Wick: Chapter 4, released in 2023, marked what was believed to be the assassin’s final battle against his ruthless enemies in France.
Speaking with ComicBook.com, Brown, who is Lionsgate’s Head of Global Products and Affairs, discussed the franchise’s future. While acknowledging the success of upcoming spin-offs like Ballerina and other ventures across media, Brown confirmed that John Wick 5 is indeed in development, despite Reeves consistently stating that he has no interest in returning to the role. Here’s what Brown had to say about the expanding John Wick universe:
“This world keeps getting bigger and bigger in amazing ways. Naturally, Ballerina, our first spin-off film, is coming up next, and we are eager for it to be released. And, of course, we’ve revealed that a fifth John Wick movie is in the works. I believe there will be more spin-offs, TV shows, and video games in the future.”
The Potential Impact of John Wick 5 on the Franchise’s Future
The prospect of John Wick 5 raises questions about where the character’s journey can go from here. While Reeves has been steadfast in his decision not to return after John Wick: Chapter 4 offered a definitive end to the character, the studio still has options. The character was given a fitting conclusion, with his death signaling the end of the vicious cycle he had been caught in. Despite this, Lionsgate may opt to recast the role or explore a prequel, but such moves could face significant skepticism from audiences who associate Reeves with the character. Any continuation without him could risk alienating fans.
Reeves’ involvement in the franchise has been crucial not only as the star but also in shaping the very essence of John Wick. His connection with directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch helped solidify the character’s place in film history. Given this, many fans might be turned off by the idea of continuing the story without Reeves’s unique input and presence.
The Expanding John Wick Universe: Room for Growth Without Reeves
Even without Reeves, there is still plenty of room for the John Wick universe to grow. While John Wick will make an appearance in Ballerina, the story will focus on new characters and supporting roles, keeping the narrative fresh. The Continental TV series further proved that the franchise can thrive in prequels and spin-offs without needing to explore John Wick’s past—a concept that many believe should remain unexplored.
There are mixed opinions on Lionsgate’s desire to expand the John Wick universe. Some critics view it as a cash grab, while others see the potential for new stories to flourish. The success of Ballerina and spin-offs like the Donnie Yen-led Caine series will likely influence the direction of future John Wick films. If these projects perform well, Lionsgate may reconsider their approach to John Wick 5.
Is John Wick 5 Necessary?
While John Wick 5 could have thrilling action scenes and deep storytelling, it may face a tough challenge in justifying its existence. The ending of Chapter 4 felt like the perfect conclusion to the character’s arc, and it’s difficult to imagine a fitting continuation for someone as complex as John Wick. His death not only gave closure to his journey but also allowed for peace to return to the lives of his friends.
In today’s world of endless reboots, sequels, and expansive movie worlds, it might be hard for John Wick 5 to stand out. Interestingly, when John Wick: Chapter 2 was announced, there were similar doubts about whether a sequel could succeed. However, that film proved its worth by expanding the franchise’s scope and establishing the foundation for more films after John was excommunicated. Now, with John Wick 5, the stakes are higher, and the challenge of continuing the story may be greater than ever.
In conclusion, while the future of the John Wick franchise remains uncertain, fans of Movieverse.one can rest assured that the world of John Wick will continue to evolve, whether through sequels, spin-offs, or new media. The key question remains: Can Lionsgate strike the right balance between staying true to the core of the series while pushing the story into new territories?
