After the incredible reaction to John Wick: Chapter 4, Lionsgate has confirmed that plans for a follow-up are in early development.
Ever since John Wick: Chapter 4 became a franchise-best as it gathered enthusiastic reactions across the board, and a billion dollars at the box office, Lionsgate kept asking the filmmakers if they’re back. And they haven’t really had an answer. But, now, yeah. They’re thinking they’re back! While Chapter 4 slyly left it up to interpretation on whether or not John Wick is truly out of commission, the door was cracked open enough so that if Chad Stahelski and company decided to return for another round of bullets and fists, they could. Additionally, it had been reported that after the opening performance of Chapter 4, Lionsgate was begging for more with Keanu Reeves in the titular role, even though he’s already set to make a small appearance in the upcoming spin-off, Ballerina.
ComicBook.com reports that Motion Picture group chairman Joe Drake confirmed during Lionsgate’s Q4 2023 earnings call that the studio was in early development for a Chapter 5. Drake expounded, “We’re now moving across that franchise, not just in the AAA video game space, but looking at what the regular cadence of spin-offs, television really growing that universe so that there is a steady cadence of a franchise that there’s clear appetite by the audience. What is official is that, as you know, Ballerina is the first spinoff that comes out next year. We’re in development on three others, including [John Wick 5] and including television series, The Continental, will be airing soon. And so, we’re building out the world and when that five movie comes, will be organic — will be organically grown out of how we’re starting to tell those stories. But you can rely on a regular cadence of John Wick.”
Ballerina is a spin-off that will feature Ana De Armas in a role stemming from the Russian ballet academy from Chapter 3 that is tied to the house of family which assassin John Wick belongs to. The film is said to take place between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, which means that even if Chapter 4 was a definitive conclusion to Keanu’s character, his inclusion in the spin-off is continuity appropriate. Reeves and De Armas would compliment each other’s dedication to the action. Perhaps if Ballerina is just as successful, there is a chance De Armas could crossover into Wick’s world.
Ballerina will also feature the final appearance of Lance Reddick as Charon, The Continental’s trusty concierge. The actor tragically passed just before John Wick: Chapter 4 made its American debut with the Los Angeles premiere. While the character is likely to have a backstory told through the upcoming Continental prequel, Charon’s story would be concluded with Chapter 4 and though another actor would be portraying the younger version of him, Reddick would be cemented in the role.
Originally published at https://www.joblo.com/john-wick-chapter-5-lionsgate/
