John Wick 5: Everything we know so far
LionsgateSomehow, John Wick has returned! Here we dive into the possible John Wick 5 release date, what might happen next in the story, and who would be part of the cast.
John Wick is the action series that keeps on giving. Whenever the titular hero thinks he’s done, some more bad guys need an ass-kicking, and he’s more than happy to hand it out.
The first movie’s grief-fuelled rampage introduced us to the custom-governed, fascinating world of The Continental and the High Table.
Wick’s tragic story also kickstarted the Keanussaince and birthed some of the best action movies of the 21st century. John Wick 4 ended on a surprisingly somber note, so (spoilers ahead) let’s dig into how new movies will work.
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Is there a John Wick 5 release date?
John Wick 5 is in development, according to Lionsgate. There’s no release date yet, but it will likely take a few years.
LionsgateJohn Wick producer Basil Iwanyk provided a promising update in November 2023, teasing to Screen Rant, “If there is another John Wick movie, which I do believe there will be, we don’t know what it is yet, but I do believe.”
On November 11, 2023, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake said at an earnings call, “On the Wick side we got multiple spin-offs and a Wick Five. We started to work on (it) right when the writer’s strike started and we’ve gotten back to work as soon as it ended.”
There’s been no announcements about writers and directors signing on. Chad Stahelski, who directed all four films, has said he’s open to exploring ideas.
Ballerina is the next big priority for this universe, and the release of that has been pushed back for reshoots.
Who’ll be in the John Wick 5 cast?
John Wick 5 would likely have to be a prequel for Keanu Reeves to return. Or, it could focus on totally new characters with a fresh cast.
LionsgateWhile fans may be excited to hear that John Wick 5 is potentially in the works, this announcement may also bring up some confusion. After all, the end of John Wick 4 made it seem as though he had finally met his end.
We even saw John’s grave. However, the odds are that John Wick 5 will explore the idea of Baba Yaga faking his death, which wouldn’t be completely unrealistic for the franchise. This could dampen the poignancy of 4’s ending, which is a shame.
Reeves told EW “I don’t know, I guess I’m going to have to lean on never say never. I mean, I wouldn’t do a John Wick film without Chad Stahelski. We’d have to see what that looked like. For me, it feels really right that John Wick finds peace.”
As director Stahelski teased to Empire Magazine, “dead” might not be an option for John: “You know, we’ve seen John take worse injuries.”
There’s always the chance we might see characters (and actors) spill over from The Continental cast, too, but one man who will not be returning is Lance Reddick, who died after filming the TV show.
More sensibly, John Wick 5 could be a prequel set before the events of the fourth chapter, or feature new or legacy characters.
What will the John Wick 5 plot be about?
John Wick 5 would have to explain how John is still alive after seemingly dying in 4. It could alternatively be a prequel set before the events of the fourth chapter, or feature new or legacy characters.
The John Wick 4 ending makes it appear as though the character has finally met his fate. However, that’s not to say he can’t come back and find more people to beat up and horses to ride through roads and cities.
Stahelski has said his brain still comes up with Wick-related ideas, but it would have to make sense.
Producer Basil Iwanyk also added that when it comes to another movie, “I do feel like it will be a completely other book. If these movies were four chapters, the next John Wick will be another book. It won’t be like six months later from John Wick 4.”
For more, find out how to watch John Wick 4, the John Wick timeline explained, or the best movies streaming this month. We’ve also got a fun list of movies like John Wick.
