The John Wick series has become one of the most successful and beloved action franchises of all time, and fans are eager to see how the story of the legendary assassin will evolve. With John Wick: Chapter 4 bringing the saga to a major crossroads, Keanu Reeves and the creative team behind the series have promised that the journey is far from over. But what does the future look like for John Wick 5, and even John Wick 6, 7, 8, and 9?
Directors Chad Stahelski (who’s helmed every installment so far) and David Leitch (who co-directed the original film) recently shared their thoughts on the direction of the franchise and what fans can expect from the next chapters.
1. Expanding the Universe Beyond John Wick
While the central story of John Wick has been the driving force of the series, the John Wick universe has already expanded significantly, particularly with the release of The Continental (the prequel series) and the upcoming Ballerina film starring Ana de Armas. But according to the directors, this is just the beginning.
Stahelski has hinted that John Wick 5, 6, 7, and beyond will not solely focus on John Wick himself, but instead continue to explore the larger criminal underworld in which he operates. “The beauty of the John Wick universe,” Stahelski said, “is that there are so many layers and characters to delve into. We want to keep expanding the world, bringing in new perspectives, while still keeping John at the heart of the story.”
This means that John Wick 5 might feature more spin-offs and focus on the rich set of characters introduced throughout the franchise, such as the Bowery King, Sofia, or Winston.
2. Is John Wick’s Story Really Over?
After the events of Chapter 4, many wondered if John Wick’s story had reached its natural conclusion. After all, the ending seemed to wrap up his narrative in a way that suggested a peaceful resolution for the character.
However, Stahelski clarified that while John Wick’s path may seem like it’s ending, the directors have already mapped out future arcs for the character. “The ending of Chapter 4 was a perfect place for him in that moment, but you’ll see there’s more to his story. John is the type of character that has so much more depth, and we’re not ready to let go of him just yet.”
Reeves, too, has expressed his enthusiasm for returning as John Wick, noting that he’s invested in the character and excited about exploring more of his journey. It’s clear that John Wick 5 will continue to expand the story of the character, but we’ll also see how his actions continue to shape the world around him.
3. A New Tone and Action Sequences
One of the things that has defined the John Wick franchise is its innovative action choreography and groundbreaking fight scenes. However, with the increasing scope of the series, the directors are considering new action sequences to keep things fresh.
“We’re always looking for ways to push the envelope,” Leitch said. “As the story grows and the stakes get higher, the action needs to evolve with it. We’re considering new fight styles, new locations, and some unexpected set pieces that will really raise the bar.”
Fans can likely expect even more creative gunplay, hand-to-hand combat, and visually stunning set pieces, but with an added focus on personal stakes that will elevate the action beyond just spectacle.
4. Exploring New Characters and Relationships
The John Wick films have introduced a colorful cast of characters, many of whom have become fan favorites. The directors have teased that in the upcoming films, we may see the return of old faces and the introduction of new characters with rich backstories.
“We’ve always tried to make sure that even the secondary characters have their own arc and their own reason for being in the world,” Stahelski explained. “We’ll continue to dig deeper into those characters in the next chapters, as well as introduce some new ones who will help shape the direction of the story.”
This means that alongside John Wick, audiences will also get to follow other central figures within the franchise, like Ian McShane’s Winston or Laurence Fishburne’s Bowery King, who are expected to play even bigger roles.
5. Future Films and Spin-Offs
As John Wick moves into its next phase, the focus may not always be on John Wick himself. With the expansion of the franchise, spin-off films such as The Continental and Ballerina are already in the works.
“We want to explore every corner of this world,” Stahelski said. “It’s not just about John Wick, but about the society that exists around him. The Continental is just the beginning. We have so many more stories to tell, and we’re excited to share them with audiences.”
Conclusion
The future of John Wick 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 is full of possibilities, with the franchise expanding its universe, evolving its tone, and continuing to explore new characters and relationships. While Chapter 4 seemed to provide a conclusion for John Wick, the team behind the franchise has plenty of new stories to tell—both for Wick and the world he inhabits. Fans can expect even more action, more twists, and a deepening of the world-building that’s made the John Wick series so popular. With directors like Stahelski and Leitch at the helm, it seems like the best is yet to come for John Wick and his allies.
FAQs
1. Will Keanu Reeves return for John Wick 5?
Yes, Keanu Reeves is confirmed to return as John Wick for John Wick 5, continuing his character’s journey in the expanding John Wick universe.
2. Will John Wick 5 be the last movie?
No, the directors have teased that John Wick 5 is just one part of a larger plan, with John Wick 6, 7, 8, and 9 potentially on the horizon.
3. Are there any upcoming spin-offs from the John Wick franchise?
Yes, spin-offs like The Continental (a prequel series) and Ballerina (starring Ana de Armas) are already in the works, with more stories set in the John Wick universe.
4. What will change in the action sequences for future John Wick films?
The directors plan to push the boundaries of action, incorporating new fight styles and larger, more visually creative set pieces.
5. Will old characters return in John Wick 5?
Yes, characters like Winston and the Bowery King are expected to return, with more focus on their personal stories and relationships with John Wick.