Whilst initially conceived to be shot back-to-back with a fifth entry, “John Wick: Chapter 4” effectively bids farewell to the franchise.
It’s a bold move that takes the series out on top as each entry has opened to bigger numbers than its predecessor and “John Wick: Chapter 4” just debuted to the kind of launch any major studio would be envious of.
Not only did the film nab a $73.5 million domestic and $137.5 million worldwide debut weekend for an R-rated picture, but it’s also pulling in the kind of mainstream critical numbers not really seen on a tentpole film since “Top Gun: Maverick” last year – albeit just a bit shy of that universally celebrated Tom Cruise vehicle.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake tells Deadline that despite this seemingly being the last entry, the studio has no intentions to sunset this franchise:
“I think the movie can run and run, given its CinemaScore… We’re not ready to say goodbye to Keanu with this franchise. It’s what alternative there will be. There are a lot of different things that we can do. I’ve seen this movie five times in the last week. I can see the way that the audience moves him.”
Reeves is already confirmed to be making a small appearance in the spin-off film “The Ballerina” starring Ana de Armas and directed by Len Wiseman. That film is targeting a Spring/Summer 2024 debut.
Drake also confirms “The Continental” spin-off prequel series will air this Fall and “the episodes are nearly finished”. The show is set in the 1970s and will detail how Winston became the manager of the Continental along with exploring elements of this world.
Producer Erica Lee has similar thoughts to Drake, telling Collider this morning:
“There is another film that we’re developing that I think we’ll be announcing in the next, say, month or two. Then, I’m hopeful there’s a ‘Ballerina 2,’ and ‘John Wick 5,’ and lots of other things. But we’re developing a lot of stuff and having a lot of discussions with a lot of writers and brand management and Wick universe is my utmost priority.”
“John Wick: Chapter 4” is now in cinemas.
