After the monster success of “John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum,” we all just assumed that director Chad Stahelski, who directed all three ‘Wick’ films would be ready, willing, and able to bring the fourth film to the big screen ASAP. Hell, Lionsgate even gave “John Wick 4” a 2021 release date. However, we might have to pump the brakes on that sequel for a bit, as Stahelski is now being eyed to take on a new action film for Paramount.
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According to Deadline, Chad Stahelski is being eyed to become the director of a new action film from “A Quiet Place” producers, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller. The untitled “high-concept” film is said to be a project “capturing the spirit of the great car movies, with a unique central relationship at its center.” The script is said to be written by Andre Nemec and Josh Appelbaum, who are best known for their work on the recent “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” film franchise, as well as the recently-announced “Beverly Hills Cop 4.”
While Deadline’s report mentions Stahelski, the piece doesn’t really talk about how this might impact “John Wick 4.” Apparently, the director is still “eyeing” the next ‘Wick’ film, as well as possibly rebooting “Highlander.” So, while Stahelski isn’t signed on for this new fast car film, it does appear that he’s at least considering it as his next film, which would put the ‘John Wick’ franchise on the backburner for a while.
The other option would be that somehow this new film is to begin production after “John Wick 4,” but considering we still haven’t heard confirmation that Stahelski is even ready for the fourth film (as he is one of the creative masterminds behind the whole franchise), it’s beginning to look more and more unlikely that the next ‘Wick’ film will make that 2021 release date. And honestly, considering that “The Matrix 4” is already filming and is also on the same day as ‘Wick 4,’ we are going to guess that Lionsgate just hasn’t announced a delay yet.