You Can’t Kill the Boogeyman
Thought John Wick: Chapter 4 was the end of the line? Think again. Despite that gravestone shot (you know the one), Lionsgate has officially confirmed John Wick: Chapter 5 is in active development—and yes, Keanu Reeves is returning as the assassin with the world’s worst retirement plan.
The announcement was made during CinemaCon 2025, where studio execs confirmed that Reeves and director Chad Stahelski are reuniting for the next installment in the $1 billion franchise. That’s right: the Baba Yaga is back.
John Wick Chapter 5: What We Know So Far
Here’s a breakdown of what’s been confirmed, what’s rumored, and what might be wishful thinking:
Keanu Reeves returns (again)
Despite his “final” showdown in Chapter 4, Reeves is back on board. Stahelski and Lionsgate have reportedly found a story worth telling—one that doesn’t cheapen Wick’s epic exit but still leaves room for more gun-fu mayhem.
Chad Stahelski returns to direct
Stahelski is locked in. According to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson, “Keanu, Chad, Basil, and Erica would not return unless they had something truly phenomenal and fresh to say with these characters and this world.”
Translation: they’re not just cashing in—they think they’ve got something cool.
Plot under wraps (but let’s speculate)
We don’t have an official synopsis yet, but speculation points toward one of two directions:
- A secret survival story that shows John didn’t die (cue: Marvel-level fakeouts).
- A parallel timeline or flashback-style plot that explores Wick’s earlier years—or his final unfinished business.
Given how Ballerina is set between Chapters 3 and 4, we could see a similar timeline sleight of hand.
Release date? TBD
While no official release date has been announced, Lionsgate says development is moving “actively.” Realistically, we could be looking at 2027, given the current lineup of spinoffs and Stahelski’s involvement in other projects.
But Wait, Didn’t He Die?
Yes… and no. Chapter 4 ended with Wick collapsing on the steps of the Sacré-Cœur, and a gravestone confirmed his death. But the film was deliberately ambiguous, and the creative team has left the door cracked open ever since.
Reddit threads have long debated whether Wick died, faked his death, or simply stepped away to finally find peace. Turns out: faking your death is just part of the job in this universe.
As one user put it: “If nobody sees a body, Wick’s not dead. Wick IS the body.”
The Wick-Verse Isn’t Slowing Down
Here’s what’s happening while Chapter 5 gets loaded in the chamber:
- Ballerina (June 2025): Ana de Armas stars in a revenge thriller set between Chapters 3 and 4, with Keanu reportedly making a brief appearance. Think of it as John Wick 3.5.
- Caine Spinoff: Donnie Yen is getting his movie, likely expanding the world of blind assassin Caine post-Chapter 4.
- The Continental (Peacock): Already out, exploring the 1970s origins of Winston and the titular assassin hotel.
- Animated Prequel (NEW): Yep, an animated Wick project is in development, exploring the “impossible task” that earned him his freedom pre-Chapter 1.
John Wick is rapidly becoming an action franchise juggernaut—dare we say it, the Fast & Furious of stylish assassins.
Final Shot
John Wick: Chapter 5 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a resurrection. Whether it plays out in real time, flashbacks, or something more meta, one thing’s for sure: you can’t keep a good assassin down.
So, is John Wick 5 a brilliant extension of a modern myth? Or a franchise beating a very cool horse in a very well-tailored suit? Either way, we’ll be there—popcorn in one hand, dog safely out of harm’s way.
