In every blockbuster franchise, there comes a moment of conclusion that is satisfying to almost everyone involved—that is, until the producers watching said film’s box office success knock on the door and ask, “What are the next ones?Take, for example, the Keanu Reeves action series that will revitalize his career. John Wick. Although hype for the series is at an all-time high, its co-creator is adamantly against allowing a potential fifth film to diminish the end of John Wick: Chapter 4.
In a recent interview with the hollywood reporterSeries co-creator Chad Stahelski reiterated that fans should temper their expectations of seeing Reeves return in a fifth film in the franchise. Your reasoning? The story of John Wick is over. Reserved, even. What’s more, Stahelski (rightly) believes that Wick’s ending was so moving that continuing the franchise by bringing him back would cheapen the film’s perfect send-off. For Stahelski, the idea of a fifth film serves more as a creative exercise than a true artistic pursuit.
“The honest truth is that no [top John Wick: Chapter 4]. You just don’t do it. There is nothing better than what we did. That’s the end. That’s the deal. For that we find closure. Look, sometimes we’ll keep things developing. Sometimes we will use development as an exercise, but is there an opportunity to do so? [John Wick 5]? Of course they do, whether it’s money or creativity,” Stahelski told THR. “Jesus, in the last three years I have already had three or four versions of a John Wick 5. They were different ways of deciphering the story, but for me it is almost a mental exercise.”
Although Stahelski has woven a narrative story about where he could take the franchise next, he’s pretty comfortable saying that wherever the numbered sequel goes, it won’t follow any elements of John’s story arc.
“I wouldn’t be a part of that. [John Wick: Chapter 4] history. It wouldn’t be what you would think it is. Until [John Wick: Chapter 4]We have reached its peak. At least I do. That is my vertex. We finished it. It’s a whole story,” Stahelski continued. “I look at it now and I feel very happy about it, but we wouldn’t try to overcome it. We wouldn’t try to add anything more to that. “It would have to be a completely different story.”
Now that Stahelski has made it irrefutably clear that he has no plans to make a Deadpool and Wolverine In bringing back Baba Yaga, there are some John Wick upcoming projects that hope to expand their myth. Apart from the prequel television show The continentfans can expect Ana de Armas watching the awkwardly titled John Wick presents: dancer.
Beyond BallerinaWith a June 6, 2025 release date, fans can expect a prequel anime feature film that will show John Wick completing the “impossible task” that allowed him to retire from contract killing (for a while). There is also a spin-off series in development from Robert Levine called under the high table which will follow the secondary characters of the series. A spin-off of Donnie Yen’s Caine is also being written. So yeah, there’s a lot more Wickverse stuff in store.
Want more io9 news? See when to expect the latest releases from Marvel, Star Wars and Star Trek, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and television, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.