In an exciting revelation, Lionsgate has confirmed that Keanu Reeves will reprise his role as the enigmatic hitman in the much-anticipated John Wick 5. This announcement follows extensive speculation fueled by the intriguing end of Chapter 4, which left fans questioning how Reeves’ character, Wick, could possibly return from the (seemingly) dead. A captivating fan poster, shared on Instagram by digital artist @diamonddead, envisions Wick’s resurrection, encapsulated by the slogan, “You can’t kill what’s already dead.” In this art, Reeves is portrayed wielding a rifle, exuding a more menacing aura than ever as he gears up for another perilous journey.
Initially, the celebrated action movie star expressed reluctance to revisit the role for John Wick 5. However, the immense success of the franchise seems to have changed his mind. Unveiled at CinemaCon, the sequel is moving forward two years after Chapter 4 hit theaters, a chapter which now holds the highest critical rating of the series on Rotten Tomatoes (a remarkable 94%) and stands as the most commercially successful with $440 million globally.
The lingering mystery is how Keanu Reeves’ John Wick will make his comeback, given Chapter 4’s ambiguous conclusion. Though Wick appeared to earn his freedom from the High Table, he sustained an apparent fatal injury during a dramatic duel with Caine, portrayed by Donnie Yen, in Paris. This was seemingly confirmed by the somber scene featuring his former associates, Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) and Winston Scott (Ian McShane), who pondered over his grave, leaving fans to believe they had seen the last of the iconic assassin.
Despite the seeming finality of Chapter 4, the wheels are in motion for the next installment, with director Chad Stahelski slated to return at the helm. While currently occupied with other projects, Stahelski is orchestrating a broader John Wick universe at Lionsgate, including upcoming spinoff ventures. Notably, an animated film and a Caine spinoff, also starring Donnie Yen, are in various stages of development, with the latter’s production anticipated to commence soon in Hong Kong. Additionally, an anime series set within the John Wick universe further expands this action-packed franchise.
Meanwhile, Reeves is set to grace the screen in the spinoff film Ballerina. This narrative unfolds between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 and stars Ana de Armas alongside Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, and the late Lance Reddick. Ballerina follows de Armas’ character, Eve Macarro/Rooney, an assassin trained in the traditional arts of the Ruska Roma, seeking vengeance for her father’s demise.
The fervor surrounding John Wick 5 is undeniably intense, yet as of now, no specific production timeline or release date has been announced. Enthusiasts remain on edge, eager to witness how Keanu Reeves’ character might defy the odds and return to the thrilling world of John Wick.
