Laurence Fishburne confirms he'll return as The Bowery King in John Wick: Chapter 4. After encountering delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, the highly-anticipated action sequel is finally back on track. John Wick 4 is scheduled to release in May 2022, and director Chad Stahelski is gearing up to begin production this summer. The shoot will take the cast and crew around the globe, with locations including New York, Japan, and Berlin.
Ahead of filming, the John Wick 4 supporting cast has rounded into shape. To date, the casting announcements have consisted of newcomers to the franchise, including Donnie Yen, Rina Sawayama, Bill Skarsgård, and Shamier Anderson. They'll all be joining Keanu Reeves, who of course is reprising the titular role. But Reeves won't be the only John Wick veteran appearing, as one of his old co-stars is coming back as well.
In an interview with Collider to promote his new movie The Ice Road, Fishburne discussed his future with John Wick. He confirmed he's playing The Bowery King again, mentioning he'll be traveling to Berlin "within a couple of months or so." He also talked about the film's script:
"I read the script. It's really, really cool. As much as it's the same world as the other three films, it's just deeper. It's much deeper in terms of the code of the assassin and the relationship that he has with one character in particular who I think Mr. Watanabe is playing... is really the heart and soul of it."
Considering how John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum ended, it isn't surprising Fishburne is back. The Bowery King and John looked to form an alliance to wage war against Winston and the High Table, so it would have been strange if Fishburne didn't return. What's interesting is he says he won't be shooting for another couple of months. Reportedly, the plan was for John Wick 4 to begin production in June. It's possible Fishburne's scenes aren't until much later in the schedule, or perhaps things have changed and shooting was pushed back a bit. Since John Wick 4 plot details are being kept under wraps, it's unknown how large of a role The Bowery King has. He's played a supporting part in the previous two movies, but could have an expanded arc this time around.
Collider notes the "Mr. Watanabe" Fishburne references in his comments is a John Wick 4 character, not an actor in the movie. Based on the description, Mr. Watanabe theoretically could be Yen's character, who is apparently an old friend of John Wick's. It will be interesting to see that dynamic unfold over the course of the sequel's story. An argument can be made John Wick 4 could benefit from less mythology, but deepening the world-building is a calling card of each installment. Regardless of what happens, it should be fun to see The Bowery King and John Wick team up again in a fight for their lives.
Source: Collider
