Fans of the action-packed franchise can rejoice as Keanu Reeves is officially set to return as the titular assassin in John Wick 5. Lionsgate made the announcement during CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, confirming that Reeves will reprise his role alongside director Chad Stahelski, who has helmed all previous installments. This news comes after the dramatic conclusion of John Wick: Chapter 4, which left audiences questioning the fate of the beloved character.
Despite the ambiguous ending where John Wick appeared to meet his demise, it seems Hollywood has other plans. The fourth film grossed an impressive $440 million at the box office, contributing to the franchise's total earnings of over $1 billion. Lionsgate’s chair Adam Fogelson emphasized the commitment of Reeves, Stahelski, and producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee to deliver a story that is "truly phenomenal and fresh." Fogelson stated, "We can’t wait for audiences to see where the journey takes us next." This sentiment reflects the franchise's evolution, which started with the first film in 2014, earning $86.1 million globally and becoming a sleeper hit on home entertainment.
In addition to the fifth installment, the John Wick universe is expanding rapidly. An animated prequel film is in development, which will delve into the origins of John Wick, exploring his fabled "Impossible Task"—a massacre that set the stage for the events of the first film. This animated project is directed by Shannon Tindle and aims to attract a more mature audience. Reeves will lend his voice to the character, further enhancing the narrative depth of the franchise.
Moreover, a standalone film focusing on the character Caine, portrayed by martial arts legend Donnie Yen in John Wick: Chapter 4, is also in the works. Yen will not only reprise his role but will also take on directing duties for this spinoff. The film will explore Caine's story after he has been freed from his obligations to the High Table. Production is set to begin in Hong Kong later this year, with Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on The Batman Part II, brought on to write the screenplay.
As for Ballerina, the next film in the franchise, it stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a dancer training to become an assassin. The film is scheduled for release on June 6, 2025, and features a thrilling sequence showcased by de Armas at CinemaCon, where her character engages in a fierce fight. She remarked on the rigorous training she underwent for the role, stating, "For 'Bond', I only had three weeks of training. 'Ballerina' was a whole other level. This is by far the most physical and challenging thing I've ever done."
Reeves is expected to appear briefly in Ballerina, which is set chronologically between the events of John Wick 3 and John Wick 4. The film will also mark the last posthumous appearance of Lance Reddick, who reprised his role as Charon before his untimely passing in March 2023.
The John Wick series has consistently raised the bar for action films, with each installment outperforming its predecessor at the box office. The first film earned $86.1 million, followed by John Wick: Chapter 2 at $174.3 million, and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum at $328.3 million. With John Wick 5 in the pipeline, fans are eager to see how the story will continue, especially after the cliffhanger ending of the fourth film.
While plot details for John Wick 5 remain under wraps, speculation is rife among fans regarding how the franchise will explain Wick's survival. Some theories suggest that Wick may have faked his death after the intense showdown with Caine, while others predict that the fifth installment could serve as a prequel, further intertwining with the storyline of Ballerina.
The expansion of the John Wick universe with multiple projects indicates Lionsgate's commitment to capitalizing on the franchise's success. The blend of live-action and animated storytelling promises to deepen the lore surrounding John Wick and his world of assassins.
As fans await further announcements regarding the release dates and plot details, it’s clear that the John Wick franchise is far from finished. With Reeves back in action, the anticipation for John Wick 5 is building, and the franchise continues to solidify its place in cinematic history.
