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Lionsgate has begun preparations for a fifth installment in the John Wick franchise, signaling the return of the iconic assassin despite the character’s apparent fate at the end of John Wick: Chapter 4. The studio confirmed that both Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski are expected to come back, having aligned on a new story direction that could carry the series forward.
What began in 2014 as a relatively modest revenge-driven action film has since expanded into a large-scale cinematic universe. While the fourth film appeared to bring the central narrative to a close with the death of its protagonist, the studio has chosen to move ahead rather than leave the story behind.
Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate’s film group, indicated that although a release timeline has not yet been locked in, the creative team has made progress on the core concept. He explained that Reeves and Stahelski have come up with an idea they both find exciting, though several steps remain before the project can fully take shape.
"Chad and Keanu have an idea that they think is pretty exciting," Fogelson said, adding that it is still too early to set a schedule but that the pair appears to have found a direction they are both enthusiastic about.
The return of John Wick hinges on a shift in perspective rather than a continuation of the previous arc. Stahelski has previously acknowledged that the original four-film storyline had largely run its course, making one think about how the character could be brought back in a meaningful way.
He suggested that the fifth installment would not simply extend the existing narrative but would instead introduce a distinctly different approach. "John Wick’s story was pretty wrapped up," he noted, adding that the only way to proceed would be to build a new story that still involves the character. He also hinted that the film would stand apart from earlier entries, aiming to deliver a reaction strong enough to draw audiences back in.
Before the fifth film arrives, the franchise will continue to grow through multiple spin-offs and related projects. Among them is a film centered on the character Caine, originally portrayed by Donnie Yen, as well as an animated prequel project.
The universe has already expanded with productions such as Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, and the television series "The Continental." Whether familiar figures like Winston Scott, played by Ian McShane, will return remains uncertain, but the broader direction suggests that the franchise will continue to build on its interconnected world.
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