Over the years, the Keanu Reeves starrer John Wick has become one of the most beloved action franchises to have come out of Hollywood.
The last instalment in the franchise, John Wick 4, was released in March 2023 and ended on a surprisingly sad and sombre note, leaving fans wondering if ‘Baba Yaga’ will return in John Wick 5.
Well, it appears that there may indeed be more entries in the John Wick universe as our titular hero never seems to be truly finished. Whenever he believes “he’s done”, more villains emerge and he finds himself delivering some well-deserved justice.
With that in mind, here’s delving into everything we know about the potential fifth instalment of this action-packed film including updates on its renewal status, release date, cast and likely plot.
So, is ‘John Wick 5’ in the works?
Yes, John Wick 5 is currently in the development stage as director Chad Stahelski is exploring fresh concepts for the iconic character. Although the film was technically confirmed in May 2023, there is still some uncertainty about its actual progress nearly a year later.
In July 2023, Stahelski, who has helmed all four previous instalments of the franchise, expressed uncertainty about the possibility of a fifth instalment. However, in an interview with Inverse in October 2023, he mentioned that he is open to the idea as long as it is not solely for financial gain. Stahelski revealed, “I have notebooks and notebooks of sh*t behind me, John Wicks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. We have ideas for days. We just don’t have the story locked.”
In November last year, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake also teased the possibility of a fifth instalment and said at an earnings call, “On the Wick side we got multiple spin-offs and a Wick Five. We started to work on (it) right when the writer’s strike started and we’ve gotten back to work as soon as it ended.”
Well, we hope that Stahelski has discovered a compelling narrative as bidding farewell to John Wick may not be something we are prepared for just yet.
What could be the plot of the upcoming film?
The ending of John Wick 4 seemed to suggest that the character had met his demise, even showing his grave. However, John Wick 5 could likely explore the concept of Baba Yaga faking his own death, which is not entirely far-fetched for this franchise. While this may diminish the emotional impact of the ending in the fourth instalment, and that is unfortunate, it is something the makers would need to do to resurrect the iconic character.
Alternatively, the upcoming movie could also be a prequel which is set before the events of the fourth chapter (or even the first chapter for that matter) and introduces new characters to the franchise.
Who’ll be in the ‘John Wick 5’ cast?
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The movie would likely have to be a prequel for Keanu Reeves to return (unless the franchise takes the angle of Wick faking his own death). Besides Reeves, the film will likely feature a fresh cast playing a set of new characters.
Is there a ‘John Wick 5’ release date?
While the film is reportedly in development, a John Wick 5 release date hasn’t been announced as of now. However, given the upcoming projects in the franchise, a release before 2026 seems highly unlikely.
Do we have a trailer for film?
As an official confirmation on the renewal of the movie is still awaited, fans would need to exercise more patience before they catch a glimpse of the trailer or teaser for the fifth instalment.
Meanwhile, check out the trailer of ‘John Wick 4’ below:
(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/John Wick 4)
This article first appeared here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– When will John Wick 5 be released?
A release date hasn’t been announced yet. However, a release before 2026 seems highly unlikely.
– What will be the plot of John Wick 5?
The movie may explore the concept of Baba Yaga faking his own death. The plot can also focus on explaining how John is still alive despite his grave injuries that allegedly caused his death in the fourth film. Alternatively, the film could be a prequel.