Despite the presumed fate of John Wick in the explosive finale of John Wick: Chapter 4, the indomitable assassin is set to return. Lionsgate has officially confirmed that production on John Wick 5 will commence in 2025, with Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role.
Given the enormous success of John Wick: Chapter 4, which raked in nearly $200 million domestically and almost half a billion dollars worldwide, it’s hardly surprising that the franchise is continuing. In today’s Hollywood, it’s rare for a blockbuster series with such staggering numbers to be laid to rest.
However, the road to this sequel wasn’t always clear. Following the release of Chapter 4, director Chad Stahelski seemed ready to close the book on John Wick. In an interview with Happy Sad Confused, Stahelski expressed doubts about extending the series, emphasizing the need for a “real reason” to bring Wick back. He even mentioned that he would feel “ripped off” as an audience member if another sequel was made without just cause.
But the allure of John Wick proved too strong to resist. Just a month after Stahelski’s comments, Lionsgate President Joe Drake confirmed that a fifth installment was already in development.
By October 2023, Stahelski had a change of heart, revealing that he had ideas for not just one, but five more sequels. With scripts in progress for chapters 5 through 9, it’s clear that the John Wick saga is far from over.
In November 2023, official word came that the script for John Wick: Chapter 5 was being penned, with work beginning as soon as the Writers Guild of America strike concluded.
John Wick’s journey from a retired hitman to a seemingly supernatural force of nature has captivated audiences. Over the course of the series, he has defied death countless times, surviving gunshots, stabbings, and brutal battles that would have ended anyone else. With a staggering kill count of 439, the franchise continues to push the boundaries of action cinema.
As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter, one thing is certain: John Wick’s story is far from over, and the Baba Yaga still has plenty of fight left in him.