Another journey to the Continental is on the cards people. We all know it. The John Wick franchise will be back for another (and possibly one last) rodeo soon. Rumor has it that the movie is currently in production. Yet the franchise’s return does not guarantee the return of everyone’s favorite assassin.
Keanu Reeves had made it clear time and again that John Wick 4 might be his farewell. But word has it that he might have been wrong. The unreal pressure on him to join the cast has had its effect. And director Chad Stahelski might have the perfect chance to respect everyone’s choices – including Reeves’.
Keanu Reeves has been ‘physically and emotionally destroyed’ after shooting the John Wick franchise
When John Wick: Chapter 4 wound to a close, Keanu Reeves had no doubt about the fate of his character. That would be it for the seasoned assassin after a total of 439 kills over the span of four movies – a count that not many characters will be able to match.
Franchise producer Basil Iwanyk told Collider that
“Making these films is so exhausting and it destroys Keanu, physically and emotionally. By the end, he’s always like, ‘I can’t do this again,’ and we agree with him.” (Collider)
Moreover, the 59-year-old had a very definite request.
Keanu Reeves’ last John Wick wish might not be respected
Every movie took its toll on Keanu Reeves. The cost had become so unbearable that a time came when he had only one request – he wanted his character to be killed off. Iwanyk told Collider that the Speed star’s only request was that he wants to “be definitively killed at the end of this movie”.
Honestly, there couldn’t have been a better end for a man who had killed people without disdain. After all, there are some characters you can’t redeem – there are some you can only kill. But it seems like Wick will walk back from the grave, as rumors pointing towards his possible return gain traction.
Looks like they failed to honor Keanu’s last wish after all.
A new way forward
John Wick 5 with Keanu Reeves seems inevitable. But that doesn’t mean that he needs to bear the toll again. There is another way to take the movie forward – one where the Constantine star takes the back seat. Luckily for him. the franchise has other fan-favorite characters, including Donnie Yen’s Caine.
The future of the franchise might as well lie with him. The Ip Man star has done enough to win over fans with his performance in the 2023 flick. A movie revolving around his story (and a cameo appearance from Reeves) might find many takers. Not to mention, it will also respect the Canadian star’s choice.
Source: Screen Rant
