Despite Keanu Reeves
recently playing down the idea of returning in a fifth John Wick movie, it appears that Lionsgate executives have a very different view. In a new interview with ComicBook, Jenefer Brown, EVP and Head of Global Products & Experiences at Lionsgate, has confirmed that John Wick 5
, and many other additions to the franchise, are in development.
Since the conclusion of John Wick: Chapter 4, the question of how the franchise can continue with its titular character now dead has been addressed through several spinoffs. The latest of those, the Ana de Armas-starring Ballerina, is about to make its debut later this year, but it seems that a fifth movie in the flagship franchise is in development at Lionsgate. Brown told ComicBook:
“This world continues to grow and expand in incredible ways. 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 spinoffs to come, a TV series, video game.”
When asked for further details, she shared, “We’ve shared that we’re developing a fifth John Wick film … [John Wick] may be [dead]. We are all on bated breath waiting to find out.”
Keanu Reeves Suggested John Wick Is Dead…and Is Staying Dead
In almost every interview since John Wick: Chapter 4 was released, Keanu Reeves and franchise director Chad Stahelski have fielded questions about whether there is a way back for the popular assassin despite his very definite ending. While the responses have ranged from being open to a new chapter if the right story comes along, to suggesting it is just not going to happen, it has been only two days since Reeves seemed to categorically shut the book on Wick. Reeves previously said:
“You know, the character’s dead. He died in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ I know, in Hollywood you can… I know, I know, it’s the Hollywood story. Right now, there isn’t.“
However, it is hard to know what Reeves really feels about the franchise, as he previously expressed an interest in returning as Wick, and the only thing that could stop him would be his aging knees. So what is the truth? Well, probably both. Reeves may be out right now, but when Liongate comes calling with a script and a healthy paycheck, it is amazing how easy it is to become invested in a franchise again. Expect to hear more about this in the very near future.
Source: ComicBook
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
