Keanu Reeves return forJohn Wick 5doesn’t need to undo the titular assassin’s death inChapter 4. While most franchises are diminishing returns critically (and often in box-office returns, too), theJohn Wickmoviesare an unusual case. Each entry has been consistentlybiggerthan the last, and the popularity of the saga only increases with time.The ending ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4seemed to wrap up John’s journey, with the “Baba Yaga” dying from his many wounds following a pistol duelin Paris.
The huge success ofChapter 4means Lionsgate is in no hurry to turn off the money tap. There are severalJohn Wickspinoffson the horizon, including the Ana de Armas-ledBallerinaand an animated prequel, explaining John’s “impossible” final job. Nowit’s confirmed that Reeves and director Chad Stahelski will return forJohn Wick 5, though what the story will be - or how Wick will be resurrected - has yet to be revealed. Perhaps there’s a way to make the sequel that doesn’t undo Wick’s demise, though.
John Wick 5 Could Reveal That John Didn’t Die After Chapter 4’s Paris Duel
Chapter 5 could get real creative with the John Wick timeline
The finale ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4saw Reeves' assassin forced to duel against old friend Caine (Donnie Yen), with the latter representing High Table member the Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård). Due to some creative thinking,Wick succeeded in killing the Marquis whilst also obeying the rules. Still, Wick seemed to perish from his injuries a short time later. John’s death was a shocker to many, as the character (and franchise) seemed unkillable. Still, a lot of viewers began questioning whether Wick truly died or if he faked it.
One thing to remember is thatJohn Wick: Chapter 4gives no indication of how much time has passed between the Paris duel and Winston (Ian McShane) and the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) visiting Wick’s grave. It seems like days, butChapter 5could prove that wrong.John Wick 5could reveal John survived his Paris injuries and was nursed back to health- just as he was in the time betweenChapters 3and4.
The fifth installment could see John sent on one last mission before finally being killed and buried alongside his wife, as seen inChapter 4’sfinal scene. Considering the fact that both Reeves and Stahelski intended the fourth film to be the end for John, this piece of timeline manipulation might be the lesser evil when it comes to bringing the character back. It would mean thatChapter 4’sgraveyard scene was still for real - it’s just how Wick got there that will change.
John Wick: Chapter 4’s Funeral Scene Could Take Place Months Or Years After The Paris Duel
Chapter 4’s ending was wise not to put a timestamp on itself
After Wick seemingly dies in Paris,Chapter 4’sfinale then cuts to New York, where Winston and the Bowery King bid the late hitman farewell. The way the sequel is cut, it feels like only a week has passed, at best. There is no actual indication of how much time has gone by, though; this moment could be months or even years later.This would giveJohn Wick 5the chance to be an inbetween-quel set in the aftermath of the Paris dueland building up to the titular killer’s death.
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From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
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There would be a question of who, exactly, John would be fighting if he survivedChapter 4.Winning the duel freed him of his High Table troubles, and it’s doubtful Wick would take the time to heal before immediately returning to work. That said, there are probably powerful figures who would want revenge on Wick for his various rampages, so he won’t run out of enemies to fight.
John Wick 5 Could Be Another Midquel Like Ballerina
The John Wick spinoff takes place during the events of Chapter 3
From the World of John Wick: Balleriawill be the first true test of the franchise’s legs without Reeves in the main role. Of course, Wick will still appear, with the assassin being dispatched to take out Ana de Armas' character when she creates havoc in a remote town.The trailers forBallerinamake it clear Reeves is playing a supporting role, though Wick will have a bigger role than many expected.The spinoff itself takes place duringJohn Wick: Chapter 3, between Wick leaving New York in the first act and his returnin the finale.
Chapter 3again did not indicate how much time had passed between trips, soBallerinawas able to take advantage of this gap in the timeline.John Wick 5could opt for the same approach to Wick’s death. Again,there’s nothing to say thatChapter 4’sgrave scene isn’t a long time after the duel and that John had another bloody misadventure between entries. Of course, there are other options.
Chad Stahelski took charge of reshoots forBallerina, which were said to be significant and delayed the spinoff’s release by a full year.
John Wick 5could reveal he did indeed fake his death with Winston’s help - or that he’s actually resurrected through some bizarre underworld ritual. All of these approaches come with risks, but it again feels like slotting another sequel into the timeline before Wick’s death is the best approach.
John Wick 5 Would Need To Have A More Definitive Ending For The Midquel Trick To Work
How much longer can Keanu Reeves' knees hold out?
Both Reeves and Stahelski sounded adamant that Wick would eventually die as a result of his actions and that beating the High Table was an impossible task. WithJohn Wick: Chapter 4, the character did technically beat the High Table - just at the cost of his own life. That feels like the finale the series was always heading towards, but bringing Wick back to life risks undermining that. MakingJohn Wick 5a midquel that slides one last mission into the timeline before his demise can work, but only with the understanding that the fifth entry is the definitive end.
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Keanu Reeves himself appeared reluctant to agree to another sequel, both because of the strength ofChapter 4and the fact each film exacts a painful physical toll. He may not look it, but Reeves is in his 60s now, and theJohn Wickmovies require him to pull off feats that would be hard for actors half his age.Returning forJohn Wick 5and the prequel may have come with the understanding that they would be Reeves' official exitfrom the series.
It might make John Wick 5 more of an event if audiences know for sure it will be Reeves' last swing as Wick…
IfJohn Wick 5does pullBallerina’smidquel trick, that would commit the sequel to building up to his death. It might even make it more of an event if audiences know for sure thatChapter 5will be Reeves' last swing with one of his most iconic roles. AssumingBallerinais a hit, the franchise could also continue in other forms, too.
John Wick: Chapter 5
Cast
John Wick: Chapter 5 continues the story of Keanu Reeves' iconic assassin. The movie picks up after the events of John Wick: Chapter 4, which seemed to end with the death of “Baba Yaga.”
John Wick 4 is about the legendary hitman, John Wick, as he works to defeat The High Table a council of twelve crime lords that govern the underworld’s most powerful and sinister crime organizations. Wick battles against a new enemy that has powerful alliances all across the world, turning Wick’s former friends into new enemies. you may rent John Wick 4 right now for Prime Day for just $3.
John Wick
“John Wick” is a neo-noir action-thriller franchise centered around a retired hitman who returns to the criminal underworld to seek vengeance. Known for its intense and stylistic action sequences, the franchise has redefined modern action cinema with its choreographed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate world-building. The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and survival in a secret society of assassins.
