Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves have managed to create something that has revolutionized the entire genre of action films- the John Wick franchise. With Reeves playing the lead (John Wick), every installment of the franchise has been a massive commercial success.
Keanu Reeves and Director Chad Stahelski
John Wick has become one of the most well-known franchises in Hollywood. The 4th installment of the film was recently released in theatres and has received a booming response from the audience.
With an incredible $245 million at the worldwide box office in only ten days, the film has easily surpassed the first installment’s humble $86 million collection, and John Wick: Chapter 2‘s $171 million worldwide collection. Having already eclipsed the opening of John Wick- Parabellum, the 4th installment will likely overtake the global collections for the third movie’s franchise-best haul.
With the success of the franchise so far, fans are eagerly awaiting a fifth movie to be confirmed.
Also Read: “It’s too ethnic”: Keanu Reeves Was Under Immense Pressure to Change His Name to Chuck Spadina For His Acting Career
Chad Stahelski Turned Down John Wick 5
In a new interview with ScreenRant, the director revealed his reasons for rejecting Lionsgate’s plans for John Wick 5.
Keanu Reeves from a shot of John Wick: Chapter 4
The studio’s initial proposal was for them to shoot John Wick 4 and 5 back-to-back, and for them to be released a year apart. Stahelski revealed that he was extremely flattered, but the task of filming in such a way seemed intimidating. The filmmaker also mentioned that he had previously been a part of projects where two films are done together, but wasn’t able to wrap his head around it.
As Stahelski has said before, the best part of the John Wick films is “[taking] two years off to go live, and get better:”
Stahelski added, if he filmed the movies back to back, they would be too similar to one another.
“So what you do is you’d see John Wick 4, and John Wick 4 Part B. Same camera, same colors, same action, same style of choreography, same story lines, I had no time to to be influenced by life and bring life back in. So I just thought it was kind of a cheat.”
Keanu Reeves also shared a similar sentiment toward the franchise and spoke about how it all depends on the audience’s reactions. It only makes sense to continue with another part if this one gets great reviews and fans love it. The actor-director duo has emphasized the importance of their “time off” between films, and how it helps them grow and discuss new ideas. They insist that it is a non-negotiable to their ideation process.
The ending of the fourth film had a sense of finality to it, and showed the character arc coming full circle. If Stahelski does go ahead with part 5, it would bring a new series of challenges in terms of continuity.
Related: “Please make more of what you do”: John Wick Director Was Requested Not to End Keanu Reeves’ $819 Million Franchise After John Wick Chapter 4’s Success
John Wick Spin-offs in Production
Following the vengeful tone of the franchise, the very first feature film spin-off titled Ballerina will see a new protagonist. The film will further expand the criminal mythology of the series, and will also feature many familiar faces from the John Wick movies.
Ballerina
Ballerina‘s lead is an orphaned assassin seeking vengeance against those who killed her parents, and Ana De Armas has been rumored to play the role after her impressive performance in No Time To Die.
The Continental will serve as a prequel to John Wick, is set in the 1970s, and will follow a young Winston at the start of his career under the High Table. Stahelski has confirmed that The Continental will follow the backstories of multiple existing characters.
Related: “Why can’t I be patriotic?”: John Wick 4 Star Donnie Yen Addresses Controversial Oscars Appearance After His Allegiance To Own Nationality
Source: The Direct
