Laurence Fishburne has addressed his potential return as the Bowery King inJohn Wick 5following the sequel’s confirmation and Keanu Reeves' comeback.John Wick 5was confirmedat 2025’s CinemaCon, with Reeves returning as the titular character. Director Chad Stahelski also coming back for the movie, although no story details about the upcoming installment have been revealed. It’s one of four upcoming movies in the franchise, which includes theupcomingBallerinaspinoff, an untitled Caine movie, and an animated prequel depicting John’s “impossible task” that initially allowed him to retire.
Speaking withColliderabout his upcoming thriller filmThe Amateur,Fishburne revealed he has not been asked to return as the Bowery King yetforJohn Wick 5. Saying he hasn’t “heard from Keanu and Chad aboutJohn Wick 5,” the actor is confident he’s going to get the call to return. This would be in line with the franchise’s continual use of the title character’s close allies, especially given his appearance in every movie sinceJohn Wick: Chapter 2. Check out what Fishburne said in full below:
So, I haven’t heard from Keanu and Chad aboutJohn Wick 5,but I’m sure I will.
What Fishburne’s Statement Means For The Bowery King In John Wick 5
It Would Make Sense For Him To Come Back
The Bowery King was first introduced inJohn Wick: Chapter 2, part of an underground intelligence network that protects John after Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio) set a bounty on his head. He became a core ally to the protagonist in his one-man battle against the High Table, giving him a new suit and pistol that became integral to his escape. However,John Wick: Chapter 4endedwith the main character seemingly dying, the Bowery King conversing with Winston (Ian McShane) over his grave.
John Wick: What We Know About Every Upcoming Project in the Franchise
Lionsgate is apparently not ready to let the John Wick franchise die as recent updates have made it clear that the series has plenty more tricks up its bulletproof sleeves.
Since it’s likelyJohn Wick 5is going to take place after the previous movie,it indicates John is likely still alive after escaping the High Table. However, it’s not known if the Bowery King was aware of his true fate, something left up in the air based on the conversation had over his grave. If establishedcharacters inJohn Wickknow he’s still alive, then the underground leader could be integral to how the upcoming story plays out. While his return remains unconfirmed, Fishburne seems confident he’ll have a part to play.
Our Take On Fishburne’s Potential Bowery King Return
John Wick 5 Wouldn’t Be The Same Without Him
Given how important a role the Bowery King has had in the franchise since his introduction, it’s unsurprising to hear Fishburne is confident of his potential return.John Wick 5wouldn’t be the same without familiar allies around him, something that would add even more familiarity and importance to the next chapter in the assassin’s franchise. Since it would be logical to assume he’ll be coming back, it might not be long until official confirmation does, in fact, arrive.
