Keanu Reeves has addressed speculation about reprising his iconic role as John Wick, casting doubt on the possibility of a fifth installment in the hit action franchise.
The 60-year-old Canadian actor portrayed the legendary assassin across four films from 2014 to 2023. While he is set to make a brief return in the upcoming spin-off Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, Reeves has emphasized that his character’s story reached a definitive conclusion in John Wick: Chapter 4.
Keanu Reeves on Returning as John Wick
In a recent interview with Extra, Reeves was asked about the likelihood of stepping back into the role beyond his cameo in Ballerina.
“Oh my gosh, well, there’s a version of it called Ballerina, which is in the John Wick world, and John Wick makes a brief appearance. So, other than that, I have no idea,” Reeves stated.
When pressed further about his interest in returning, The Matrix star responded candidly: “You know, the character’s dead. He died in John Wick: Chapter 4. I know, I know, it’s the Hollywood story. Right now, there isn’t [a plan to return].”
The Legacy of John Wick
The John Wick franchise has received widespread acclaim for its intricate world-building and breathtaking action sequences. Directed by Chad Stahelski, the series evolved from a gritty revenge thriller into a globally successful neo-noir action saga.
In a four-star review of John Wick: Chapter 4, The Independent’s critic Clarisse Loughrey praised its ambitious storytelling:
“Even at its nearly three-hour runtime, John Wick: Chapter 4 commits so nobly to its self-seriousness that it almost borders into camp. And yet, the franchise possesses both the self-confidence and the ingenuity to earn its boldness.”
She continued, highlighting the film’s stunning choreography: “Overseen by stunt coordinator Scott Rogers, the action sequences here are better described as massacre marathons. And when Chapter 4 slips into outright comedy—like the way a SWAT member’s head repeatedly bounces off a taiko drum to a satisfying thrum—the solemnity of what came before allows the jokes to land all the better.”
The Future of the John Wick Universe
While Reeves appears firm on Wick’s fate, the franchise continues to expand through spin-offs and television adaptations. Ballerina, set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, will explore a new assassin’s journey in the same universe. The highly anticipated film is slated for theatrical release on June 7.
As the John Wick universe grows, fans may still hold out hope for an eventual return of the legendary hitman. But for now, Reeves has made it clear: John Wick’s story is complete.
