John Wick‘s character, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, has become iconic in the action movie world. However, with the production of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” Reeves was pushed to his limits, both physically and emotionally. The actor’s dedication to performing his own stunts and immersing himself in the role took its toll. It reached a point where Reeves begged for his character to be “definitively” killed off in the film, longing for some respite from the demanding role.
Basil Iwanyk, the franchise producer, shed light on Keanu Reeves’ exhaustion during the filming of “John Wick: Chapter 4.” According to Iwanyk, after the second, third, and fourth movies, the process of making these action-packed films took a significant toll on Reeves. He would often declare, “I can’t do this again.” Despite Reeves’ plea for a definite end to John Wick’s journey, the producers left a 10% possibility open for future installments. It was a compromise between giving the character closure and leaving room for potential sequels.
The Unbreakable Bond Of The Franchise
The John Wick franchise has not only been successful at the box office but has also forged strong bonds among the creative team. Iwanyk likened the relationship between director Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to the legendary Beatles – Paul McCartney and John Lennon, while he humorously dubbed himself as Ringo. The camaraderie and shared success motivated them to explore the possibility of future John Wick stories.
Iwanyk emphasized their collective desire to continue the franchise, citing their friendship, mutual respect, and the satisfaction derived from the franchise’s critical and commercial success. He stated that everyone involved was keen to find a way to bring the “band” back together for another installment in the John Wick saga. However, this hinges on Stahelski and Reeves finding the right story that justifies the character’s return.
While the passion to create another John Wick installment is undeniable, Iwanyk acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding it. They are aware that forcing another movie into existence without a compelling story would be a disservice to the fans and the franchise itself. Therefore, the team is committed to waiting for the right inspiration to strike before venturing into the next chapter of John Wick’s journey.
The Quest For Another John Wick
Iwanyk emphasized that the entire team shares the aspiration of bringing another John Wick movie to life. Their love for the world they’ve created and the characters they’ve developed is a driving force. However, as of now, they have not finalized any plans for the next installment. Iwanyk admitted that while they want another John Wick movie, they have not yet cracked the code of what it will look like or when it will happen. Their commitment lies in delivering a story that is worth telling, and they are not willing to rush the process for the sake of making another film.
In closing, Iwanyk made it clear that they will not create another John Wick movie just for the sake of it. Their dedication to the franchise’s quality and the respect they have for both the characters and the audience means they will only proceed when they are confident in the story’s merit. If they cannot find a compelling reason to continue John Wick’s journey, they are content to let the franchise rest.
In the end, the future of John Wick remains uncertain. Still, one thing is evident – the passionate and dedicated team behind the franchise is determined to honor the legacy of the character and deliver another thrilling installment when the time is right. Until then, fans can rest assured that any future John Wick movie will be a product of genuine inspiration and commitment to excellence, ensuring that the legendary assassin’s story is told in a way that does justice to the iconic character and the world he inhabits.
