The “John Wick” franchise is in a very unique place right now. Each of the four films in the series have done better at the box office than the one preceding it and each has become more and more favored by critics. Not only that, we’re only now beginning to get spinoffs with “The Continental” and “The Ballerina.” In any other franchise, this would mean more “John Wick” films. And yet, filmmaker Chad Stahelski is apprehensive because he doesn’t just want to make the film just to make it.
Speaking on the Happy. Sad. Confused. podcast, director Chad Stahelksi, who has helmed each of the “John Wick” films, spoke about his desire to make a fifth film and why he isn’t doing it right now. Stahelski understands he is in a great position, directing a franchise that is really profitable and beloved by fans and critics, but he also knows a fifth “John Wick” can’t be made without a good idea.
“Do you know how lucky we are to have an audience or a studio give you money to make more of what you really love?” said Stahelski. “Do you know why I do more ‘John Wicks?’ Because I fucking love Keanu [Reeves]. Because I fucking love the genre. I love that they let me do what I want. I love everything about it… I love every fucking minute of it.”
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He continued, “Look, we’re going to do our other stuff for a little bit. But if I was walking the dog or driving my car and an idea hit me? Within 30 seconds, I’d be on the phone with Keanu and we’d be riffing.”
If you watched “John Wick: Chapter 4,” you know the film ends with the presumed death of John Wick. It’s an incredible, bold ending. And it’s an ending that is difficult to continue from. The problem is, as Stahelski discussed, there is no idea just yet for how to continue. He stressed that there is a desire to do more of the films, and he would never turn down the opportunity to do another “John Wick” film, but he just doesn’t have the idea. And now that the character has died, there would have to be a really good idea and not just the desire to make more money.
READ MORE: ‘John Wick’ Director Says He’s “Open” To The Idea Of A 5th Film But It’s Not A Guarantee
“I don’t think there’s any reason to bring John Wick back without a real reason,” explained the filmmaker. “I think most of the audience would want Keanu back, but they don’t want to be treated like idiots.”
So, for now, it appears the main “John Wick” franchise is on a bit of a hold. Will a fifth film get made? Only if Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski have a killer idea. Until then, we have the spinoffs coming that will hopefully satiate the audience’s demand for more of this universe.