The legendary hitman John Wick is set to return to the big screen, as Lionsgate officially announces the development of 'John Wick: Chapter 5.' The announcement came during CinemaCon, where Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson confirmed both Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski will return for the next installment.
The creative team behind the billion-dollar franchise remains intact, with Thunder Road producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee joining Stahelski and Reeves in bringing the next chapter to life. According to Fogelson, the team would only return if they had "something truly phenomenal and fresh" to add to the franchise's rich universe.
This announcement follows the massive success of 'John Wick: Chapter 4,' which garnered over $440 million at the global box office in 2023. The fourth installment concluded with a dramatic scene featuring Ian McShane's Winston and Laurence Fishburne's Bowery King at Wick's grave, leaving fans speculating about the future of the franchise.
The John Wick universe continues to expand beyond the main series. A spinoff film titled 'Ballerina' is scheduled for release on June 6, while a new series 'John Wick: Under the High Table' is currently in development with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.
Since its debut in 2014, the franchise has evolved from a simple revenge tale about a retired assassin to a complex narrative set in an intricate criminal underworld. The producers emphasize their commitment to carefully crafting the next chapter, stating the importance of taking "the proper next step" in John's story.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the announcement marks an exciting development for fans of the action-packed franchise that has consistently delivered high-octane entertainment over the past decade.