The John Wick franchise has redefined modern action cinema, much like Die Hard inspired a wave of imitators in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. Now, the series faces a major crossroads. While the universe continues to expand with the upcoming spinoff Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, the biggest question remains: Can Keanu Reeves return for John Wick 5 without compromising the impact of John Wick: Chapter 4?
The Challenge of Bringing John Wick Back to Life
The biggest hurdle for John Wick 5 isn’t just outdoing its predecessors—it’s the fact that John Wick seemingly met his demise at the end of Chapter 4. The film concluded with Wick’s dramatic final duel against the Marquis Vincent Bisset de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård), after which he appeared to die from his wounds. While Hollywood has no shortage of franchises that have resurrected fallen heroes, bringing Wick back risks undermining the emotional weight of his sendoff. John Wick: Chapter 4 delivered an ambitious, conclusive arc that may be difficult to surpass.
The John Wick Franchise Has Grown Bigger With Each Film
One of the franchise’s unique aspects is its escalating scale. The original John Wick was a relatively small, low-budget neo-noir thriller that almost went straight to VOD. However, its unexpected success allowed director Chad Stahelski to expand the series into a globe-trotting saga.
- John Wick: Chapter 2 evolved into an international espionage thriller, further developing the mythology of the High Table.
- John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum raised the stakes even higher, pitting John against assassins worldwide in a relentless chase.
- John Wick: Chapter 4 felt like a grand culmination, pushing John to confront whether he could ever truly find peace.
Stahelski’s love for classic cinema is evident in Chapter 4’s stylistic influences, from its Lawrence of Arabia-inspired desert sequence to Seven Samurai-style swordplay and a final gunfight reminiscent of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. These homages cemented John Wick as one of the most visually inventive action sagas of recent years.
Topping John Wick: Chapter 4’s Action Will Be a Challenge
With John Wick: Chapter 4, the franchise reached a new level of creativity in action filmmaking. From an immersive overhead shootout reminiscent of a video game to an intense chase up the Rue Foyatier staircase, Keanu Reeves pushed his physical limits like never before. If John Wick 5 were to happen, it would need to meet or exceed these jaw-dropping sequences—a nearly impossible feat.
Additionally, the John Wick series has thrived by maintaining a level of realism. Unlike CGI-heavy franchises such as The Fast and the Furious, the John Wick films emphasize practical stunts and hand-to-hand combat. If the story stretches credibility too far to justify Wick’s return, it could risk alienating fans who have come to appreciate the franchise’s grounded intensity.
The Future of the John Wick Universe
While John Wick 5 remains uncertain, the franchise is far from over. Ballerina and other spin-offs may provide fresh opportunities to expand the world without undoing Wick’s story. Whether or not Reeves reprises his iconic role, John Wick: Chapter 4 delivered an emotionally satisfying conclusion—one that may be best left untouched.
For now, the real question isn’t whether John Wick can return, but whether he should.
