Hollywood star Keanu Reeves has captivated audiences with his intense portrayal of the eponymous assassin in the John Wick series. After four action-packed films, the 59-year-old star is expressing doubts about his ability to return for a fifth installment. During recent interviews, Reeves opened up about the physically demanding nature of the John Wick films and the emotional toll they've taken on him.
Reeves shared his thoughts candidly with CBS News, stating, “You can never say never. My knees right now are saying, ‘I can’t do another John Wick.’ So my heart does, but I don’t know if my knees can do it.” These revelations highlight the challenges aging actors face when it involves physical stunts and demanding action sequences.
The John Wick franchise, which has become increasingly popular since its inception in 2014, features Reeves as John Wick, a skilled assassin who seeks revenge for the tragic death of his dog. Over the years, the franchise has garnered significant acclaim and amassed over $1 billion in worldwide earnings, leading to spin-offs and adaptations.
Franchise producer Basil Iwanyk noted how, after each movie, Reeves has expressed his desire to step back from the role due to the toll it takes. This uncertainty is compounded by the ambiguous ending of John Wick: Chapter 4, which left John seemingly succumbing to his injuries on the steps of the Sacré Coeur. The ending sparked discussions among fans about the character's fate, leaving the door open for Reeves to return.
Despite his doubts, Reeves expressed his eagerness to return for John Wick 5, though his aging body remains a concern. During promotional activities for his role as the villain Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Reeves reiterated his conflicting feelings about reprising the role. “You can never say never — but my knees right now are saying, ‘You can’t do another John Wick. So my heart [wants to], but I don’t know if my knees can do it,’” he shared with laughter, encapsulating the bittersweet reality of his situation.
At the recent 10th-anniversary screening of the first John Wick film, Reeves reflected on his experiences, describing them as a “gift.” He highlighted the collaboration and the intense physicality involved, saying, “I had so many wonderful teachers and guidance and worked with so many talented actors, actresses, and stunt people, in the sense of it’s such a dance and collaboration and cooperation. So there’s a couple of times where you throw up or puke or whatever, but that's what makes it good.” His fond memories indicate how much he values his role and the franchise.
Director Chad Stahelski, who has partnered with Reeves since the beginning, underscored the significance of Reeves's portrayal. “There really is no other person who could play John Wick. He brings, obviously, the passion, the physicality, and there's just this undeniable emotional quality to him, where you feel for him and he pulls at your heartstrings,” Stahelski expressed during the anniversary event, emphasizing the unique connection between Reeves and the character.
While Lionsgate has shown interest in developing John Wick 5, no official plans have been confirmed yet. For now, Reeves is set to return as the character in the upcoming spinoff film, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, set to premiere on June 6, 2025. This continuance of his iconic role within the ever-expanding John Wick universe assures fans they will not be without their beloved character for too long.
The evolution of the John Wick series has captivated audiences globally, leading not only to the four films but also to various spin-off projects, including The Continental series and video game adaptations. With its signature blend of stylized action and deep personal storytelling, the franchise has established itself as one of the most beloved action series of the past decade.
While the future of John Wick 5 remains uncertain and hinging on Reeves's physical capabilities, the dedication and passion evident from both the actor and the franchise's production team suggest there’s still more to come. Fans eagerly await what could possibly be the next chapter of this iconic saga.
