Earlier this year, the John Wick franchise dropped a bombshell revelation when filmmakers unveiled that Keanu Reeves would reprise his role for John Wick 5. Audience members who caught John Wick: Chapter 4 couldn't help but ponder how Reeves could possibly return as the titular hero, given his seemingly definitive demise at the conclusion of the fourth installment. Chad Stahelski, the visionary director behind all four John Wick films and the overseer of the entire franchise, encompassing From the World of John Wick: Ballerina and the Under The High Table TV series, has finally shed light on Reeves' impending return.
In a chat with Empire, Stahelski candidly admitted that Wick's saga had reached a "tidy conclusion" while emphasizing that the fifth film would not serve as a straightforward continuation of Wick's narrative, but rather as a spinoff. "Thus, the sole viable path to crafting a fifth film is by devising a fresh storyline that intertwines with John Wick," he elaborated. "It's not a sequel centered on the High Table." "John has confronted and processed his sorrow. It will be a striking departure, and viewers will be absolutely blown away by the trailer, thinking, 'Holy crap... I absolutely need to see this!'"
Stahelski also hinted that the Donnie Yen-starring Caine spinoff holds paramount importance in the ongoing evolution of the John Wick universe. "The John Wick TV series and animation are top priorities," he shared. "Our strategy is to experiment with various concepts, delve into uncharted territories, and leverage these two platforms to propel us toward innovative ideas for John 5."
Prior to Reeves' triumphant return in John Wick 5, he will star alongside Ana de Armas in Ballerina, marking their third collaboration. In a recent interview, de Armas expressed her delight at joining Reeves' iconic world once again. "I've had the honor of collaborating with Keanu three times already, and Ballerina was especially meaningful because it marked my entrance into his realm—the beloved world of John Wick," she enthused. "I hold immense respect and admiration for Keanu as an artist, a person, and a friend. He's a pivotal figure and a force to be reckoned with on set, and always a perfect gentleman." Ballerina is set in the John Wick universe, following the events of John Wick: Chapter 3.
