Last week we reported on rumblings about a 5th installment to the “John Wick” franchise. Lionsgate Chairman Joe Drake has now confirmed that another film is in early development. He also discussed plans to expand The Continental universe overall.
“We’re now moving across that franchise, not just in the AAA video game space, but looking at what the regular cadence of spin-offs, television really growing that universe so that there is a steady cadence of a franchise that there’s clear appetite by the audience,” Drake said during a Q4 2023 earnings call. “What is official is that, as you know, Ballerina is the first spinoff that comes out next year. We’re in development on three others, including John Wick 5 and including television series. The Continental will be airing soon. And so, we’re building out the world and when that five movie comes, will be organic — will be organically grown out of how we’re starting to tell those stories. But you can rely on a regular cadence of John Wick.”
Producer Basil Iwanyk said that a new film will depend on franchise star Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski coming up with a logical storyline. “… if Keanu and Chad have figured out something cool, if they’ve an organic way back in that doesn’t feel like bullshit, then there will be a John Wick 5.” Between Drake and Iwanyk’s comments, we are assuming they came up with a plot line that doesn’t feel forced.
“John Wick: Chapter 4” is still kicking ass and taking names in theaters, and on paid streaming. The almost 3-hour film is smashing box office records for the series. So keeping the universe going isn’t really a shock.
The events in the upcoming spin-off “Ballerina” will take place in the 6 month period between “John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum” and “Chapter 4.” As confirmed by both Reeves and Stahelski. It has also been hinted that Reeve’s John Wick character will have way more than just a cameo in the film. With co-stars, Ian McShane and the late Lance Reddick also reprising their franchise roles.
As far as other projects go, “The Continental” series, is expected to premiere on Peacock this September. “Ballerina” will hit theaters on June 7th, 2024. This early into development there is no anticipated release date for “John Wick 5,” yet. But we’ll keep you posted on this project as well as others within the universe.
