Chad Stahelski Shares Mixed Feelings on John Wick 5
Chad Stahelski, the director behind the acclaimed John Wick series, finds himself in a state of disbelief over the prospect of a fifth installment of the franchise. Despite Lionsgate's official announcement in April 2025 declaring that lead actor Keanu Reeves would reprise his role, Stahelski has yet to discuss the evolving concept for John Wick 5 with Reeves himself. This lack of communication underscores Stahelski's skepticism about the film actually reaching production.
The notion of John Wick 5 has been circulating since its initial confirmation back in 2020. In a surprising twist, the fourth film concluded with a scene that suggested the character’s demise. However, subsequent claims from Lionsgate indicated that Wick will indeed return for the next chapter, creating a sense of uncertainty among fans and creators alike.
Creative Concerns Over Follow-Up
In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Stahelski articulated his apprehensions regarding the creative direction of the potential fifth installment. He shared that he, along with co-writer Mike Finch, has developed a story that they find intriguing. However, he voiced concerns about the film’s overall satisfaction and whether it could meet the expectations of the franchise's passionate following. "If we’re feeling it, we’ll sit with Keanu and shape this thing," Stahelski mentioned, reflecting a cautious approach towards crafting a new narrative.
When probed about the justification for extending the franchise with Reeves following the poignant conclusion of the fourth film, Stahelski acknowledged a shared sentiment with Reeves. The duo had previously believed that the third film would serve as a fitting conclusion, which makes the ongoing discussions about a fifth installment somewhat perplexing. "I just hate cheesy endings. I hate happy endings... everything’s a fucking tragedy. If you kill 86 people, you don’t get away," he stated, emphasizing the weight of consequence that he wishes to incorporate into the storytelling.
A Delicate Balance Between Studio Pressure and Creative Freedom
Stahelski's perspective on the continuation of John Wick illustrates the balancing act between creative vision and studio demands. While he appreciates Lionsgate's interest in the franchise, he acknowledges potential friction between their desires and his own creative process. "The studio would very much will it into existence, I’m sure, at some point," he remarked, portraying a tension between the artistic team’s exploratory process and the studio’s expectations for a commercially viable product.
In the interim period, Reeves remains active in the franchise’s broader universe, set to appear in the upcoming spinoff film Ballerina, which showcases the continued expansion of the John Wick saga.
Conclusions on Creative Exercises and Future Projects
Should Stahelski and Finch decide to proceed with John Wick 5, they are prepared for the possibility that the story may evolve into different avenues, potentially yielding fresh ideas for other projects. Stahelski regards the creative process as a valuable exercise, emphasizing collaboration and the joy of brainstorming with those he respects in the industry.
This ongoing journey not only creates a narrative for potential fifth film but also highlights the complexities involved in maintaining a franchise that has captivated audiences globally.
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