Locked, Loaded, and… Keanu-Less? The Uncertain Future of ‘John Wick 5’

The “John Wick” franchise refuses to slow down, and frankly, we aren’t surprised. After four action-packed movies filled with headshots, insane stunts, and a ridiculous number of people underestimating a man avenging his dog, “John Wick: Chapter 5” is officially in the works. But while Lionsgate is all in on expanding the Wickverse, one big question remains: Is Keanu Reeves coming back?

“John Wick 5” Is Officially Happening

Lionsgate made it clear: They’re not done with John Wick’s world just yet. Jenefer Brown, Executive VP of Global Products & Experiences, confirmed that a fifth movie is in development, telling ComicBook, “This world continues to grow and expand in incredible ways… Of course, we’ve announced we’re working on a fifth John Wick film.” So yeah, “John Wick 5” is a go.

But that’s not all; Lionsgate is going all-in on this universe. Brown even said, “I think there are more spinoffs to come, a TV series, video game.” A prequel series exploring the infamous hitman hotel, “The Continental,” was released back in 2023. Plus, there’s the Ana de Armas-led spin-off, “Ballerina,” directed by Len Wiseman, which drops on June 6, 2025, bringing more deadly assassins into the mix. The bottom line: the “John Wick” universe is expanding, with or without Mr. Wick himself. 

Will Keanu Reeves Return?

Here’s where things get precarious. “John Wick: Chapter 4” seemed to wrap up John’s story in a pretty final way. And Keanu Reeves? He’s not exactly jumping at the chance to return.

“After the second, third, and fourth movie, making these films is so exhausting and it destroys Keanu, physically and emotionally,” said producer Basil Iwanyk when speaking with Collider about Keanu’s role in 2023. “By the end, he’s always like, ‘I can’t do this again,’ and we agree with him… The guy is just a shell of himself because he just goes off and goes for it.” Iwanyk added.

Then, in a December 2024 interview, Reeves admitted, “You can never say never — but my knees right now are saying, ‘You can’t do another John Wick.” The “John Wick” movies put him through brutal stunt work, and he’s been at this for over a decade. “So my heart [wants to], but I don’t know if my knees can do it,” he explained, which is fair. While he’s confirmed to appear in “Ballerina,” it’s unclear if Reeves is up for another full-length “John Wick” movie. 

It’s A Waiting Game For Now

So, “John Wick 5” is happening, but without solid confirmation on Keanu’s return, it raises some big questions. Will the franchise continue with a new lead? Could they find a way to bring John back without undoing “Chapter 4’s” ending?

For now, fans will have to wait and see. But one thing’s for sure; whether Keanu suits up again or not, the “John Wick” universe is far from over.