At CinemaCon 2025, Lionsgate officially announced the development of John Wick 5, reigniting excitement among fans of the franchise. The announcement confirmed that Keanu Reeves will reprise his iconic role as the titular assassin, with director Chad Stahelski returning to helm the project. After the fourth installment concluded with what many believed to be a definitive ending, this news comes as a surprise to both audiences and industry insiders.
Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed enthusiasm about the return of Reeves and Stahelski, stating, "Keanu, Chad, Basil, and Erica would not return if they didn't have something phenomenally new to say about these characters and this world. We cannot wait to show viewers where the story will take them next." This sentiment reflects the studio's commitment to bringing fresh narratives to the beloved franchise.
The John Wick franchise has proven to be a major box office success, with John Wick 4 grossing over $440 million worldwide since its release in 2023. The entire series has accumulated more than a billion dollars in revenue, solidifying its place in modern action cinema. Following the success of the main series, Lionsgate is also expanding the universe with several spin-offs.
Among the upcoming projects is a spin-off titled Ballerina, centered around Ana de Armas's character, which is set to premiere on June 5, 2025. Additionally, a spin-off featuring the character Caine, played by Donnie Yen, is in the works. Yen will not only star in the film but will also take on directing duties, highlighting the studio's strategy to further develop the characters introduced in the main series.
In a unique twist, Lionsgate is also producing a full-length animated prequel that will delve into John Wick's past. Keanu Reeves will lend his voice to the character, ensuring continuity for fans. This animated feature aims to explore the backstory of Wick, particularly focusing on his infamous challenge to eliminate his rivals in a single night, a task that earned him the love of his life, Helen.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new projects, Reeves has previously expressed doubts about returning to the role, citing health concerns. He stated, "The character is dead. He died in the fourth part. I know that anything is possible in Hollywood, but not now." However, the recent announcements suggest that the creative team has found a compelling narrative that has convinced him to return.
Jennifer Brown, vice president of Lionsgate, confirmed that the premiere of the Ballerina spin-off will precede the development of John Wick 5. She remarked, "We have Ballerina next; this is our first spin-off, and we are really looking forward to the release." This strategic approach indicates that Lionsgate is keen on building anticipation for the main franchise while expanding its universe.
As fans eagerly await more details about John Wick 5, the franchise's growth into various media formats, including animation, reflects a broader trend in Hollywood to explore character backstories and universes in more depth. This approach not only enriches the narrative but also caters to the growing audience demand for diverse storytelling.
With the return of familiar faces and the introduction of new characters, Lionsgate is poised to deliver another thrilling chapter in the John Wick saga. The combination of Reeves's star power, Stahelski's directorial vision, and innovative storytelling promises to keep audiences engaged and entertained.
As the production of John Wick 5 progresses, fans can look forward to more updates and teasers about the film's direction and storyline. The anticipation surrounding the franchise continues to build, with many eager to see how the story of the legendary assassin unfolds in this new installment.
