We come bearing good news!
While franchises usually tend to deteriorate with sequels, John Wick is a complete exception. Keanu Reeves’ John Wick: Chapter 4 was recently released in theatres, receiving unending praise from fans and critics alike, taking the graph of the franchise upwards. In fact, the progress has been so incredible that fans were hoping and praying that Chad Stahelski would come out with a fifth film as well, against all odds.
Well, it sure looks like their prayers just got answered! Lionsgate’s motion picture group chair, Joe Drake, himself confirmed that a fifth John Wick film is in early stages of development. However, it is not the only project you should be on the lookout for. There is much more to the franchise as the team plans on building an entire world around Keanu Reeves’ John Wick.
It’s Not the End for Keanu Reeves’ John Wick
In Lionsgate’s Q4 2023 earnings call, motion picture group chairman Joe Drake had a lot to say about the John Wick universe, which includes the future of the John Wick movies. After speculations on speculations, Drake has finally confirmed that a fifth John Wick movie is going to happen and is even in early development. If this is not good news, we don’t know what is! In fact, they are working on a few more projects, other than The Continental and Ana de Armas’ Ballerina.
“We’re now moving across that franchise, not just in the AAA video game space, but looking at what the regular cadence of spin-offs, television really growing that universe so that there is a steady cadence of a franchise that there’s a clear appetite by the audience. What is official is that, as you know, Ballerina is the first spinoff that comes out next year. We’re in development on three others, including five and including the television series, The Continental, which will be airing soon. We’re building out the world and when that 5 movie comes, it will be organic — will be organically grown out of how we’re starting to tell those stories. But you can rely on a regular cadence of John Wick.”
Video games, movies, and television! What more could we need? However, since the movies have been performing better and better at the box office with each release, is John Wick 5 just a means of making more money for the studios? Well, according to director Chad Stahelski, it’s not.
Previously, Stahelski told The Hollywood Reporter that if and when they decide on making a fifth film, it will be because the audience actually wants it, and not just to make money. He stated, “It’s not just a cash grab. It’s legitimately the audience wants more.” Well, the audience does want more!
John Wick 4’s Box Office Earnings
The news of a fifth film does not come as a surprise if you take a look at the box office earnings of John Wick: Chapter 4. As of May 25, the Keanu Reeves-starrer has grossed over $428 million at the worldwide box office and the numbers are only going to increase! Thanks to the movie’s exceptional performance, the franchise’s total earnings have skyrocketed to a billion dollars.
Gushing over the success, Drake told Deadline that this wouldn’t have been possible without Stahelski, Reeves, Basil Iwanyk, and Erica Lee, who “made it their mission to outdo themselves with each successive film.” Chapter 4 should expect more money coming its way as the film is yet to be released in Japan.
John Wick: Chapter 4 is currently in theatres.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
