The John Wick franchise refuses to fade into the shadows, much like its iconic assassin. Despite Keanu Reeves’ insistence that John Wick met his ultimate fate in Chapter 4, Lionsgate has officially confirmed that John Wick 5 is in development. Jenefer Brown, EVP and Head of Global Products & Experiences at Lionsgate, shared the exciting news, hinting at an expanding universe beyond just the main films.
John Wick 5 is Coming
Brown recently spoke with ComicBook.com about the future of the John Wick universe, revealing that the franchise is far from over. “This world continues to grow and expand in incredible ways,” Brown stated. “Up next, of course, we have Ballerina, which is our first spin-off movie, and we can’t wait for that to release to the world. Of course, we’ve announced we’re working on a fifth John Wick film. I think there are more spin-offs to come, a TV series, a video game.”
While Brown confirmed that John Wick 5 is in the works, she remained vague about whether Reeves will return to reprise his role, adding, “[John Wick] may be [dead]. We are all on bated breath waiting to find out.”
Expanding the John Wick Universe
The John Wick franchise has been steadily expanding beyond the main films. Following the success of John Wick: Chapter 4, Lionsgate introduced The Continental, a prequel TV series exploring the origins of the assassin’s underground network. Next up is Ballerina, a spin-off starring Ana de Armas, set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025. Reeves is confirmed to make an appearance in the film, but how he fits into the story remains a mystery.
Additionally, Brown teased more spin-offs and projects, including a potential video game and another TV series, which suggests Lionsgate is keen on turning John Wick into a multi-platform franchise.
The Challenge of Continuing Without Reeves
Keanu Reeves has remained firm about his character’s fate, believing that John Wick: Chapter 4 provided a fitting conclusion to the assassin’s journey. The film ended with Wick seemingly succumbing to his injuries, leaving his return in John Wick 5 uncertain.
Without Reeves, the franchise faces a significant challenge. His dedication to the role, combined with his collaboration with director Chad Stahelski, has shaped John Wick into one of the most iconic action heroes of modern cinema. Some fans fear that without Reeves’ involvement, John Wick 5 could feel like a cash grab rather than a genuine continuation of the story.
One possible direction for the film could be a prequel featuring a younger actor portraying John Wick before the events of the first movie. However, this could contradict previous statements from Reeves and Stahelski, who believe that Wick’s past should remain a mystery. Another possibility is shifting the focus to a new character within the John Wick universe while keeping the assassin’s legacy alive.
The John Wick Experience: A New Way to Immerse Fans
While fans wait for more details on John Wick 5, they can step into the assassin’s world through The John Wick Experience, an immersive attraction now open in Las Vegas. The 12,000-square-foot venue, located on the AREA15 campus, transports guests into the high-stakes world of assassins, offering interactive missions, themed set pieces, and even a bar inspired by The Continental.
The attraction promises an authentic and action-packed adventure, allowing guests to rub elbows with assassins, crime bosses, and Continental staff while completing missions within the John Wick universe.
What’s Next?
With Ballerina set to expand the John Wick universe in June, followed by more spin-offs and a possible video game, Lionsgate is doubling down on the franchise’s potential. Whether John Wick 5 will feature Keanu Reeves or move in a new direction remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—this world isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Stay tuned for more updates on John Wick 5 and the future of the franchise.
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