Lionsgate has recently signed screen veteran, Clancy Brown, to join the cast of John Wick: Chapter 4. Brown, who boasts an impressive list of over 60 film credits to his name, including playing The Kurgan in the 1986 fantasy classic, Highlander, is also an accomplished voice actor who has lent his talents to numerous properties including SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Wars: Rebels and multiple DC animated outings. He is also set to star alongside Michael C. Hall in the upcoming Dexter series revival, titled Dexter: New Blood.
Created by screenwriter Derek Kolstad, the John Wick franchise stars Keanu Reeves as the eponymous hitman whose return from retirement ultimately sends a series of violent shockwaves through the underworld community he once belonged to. Since the first film’s release in 2014, the franchise has already spawned two other sequels and has both a spinoff film and a prequel television series currently in development. Currently having grossed over $587 million US in worldwide box office, Reeves has previously stated that he is happy to keep playing the character as long as the films continue to be successful.
Now Deadline is reporting that Lionsgate Films have closed a deal for Brown to lend his extensive experience to the next chapter in the John Wick franchise. Brown will be joining fellow castmates Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rina Sawayama, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, and Ian McShane on the film, which has already commenced production. Director Chad Stahelski had the following to say on the recent casting announcement:
I have been a fan of Clancy Brown’s since I can remember. To have him be a part of this project is an honor. He will make a perfect addition to the World of John Wick!
In a fictional universe that is rapidly expanding, and even potentially eyeing potential crossovers with Atomic Blonde and Nobody, it will be interesting to see where Brown fits into the evolving John Wick mythology. From what was originally conceived as a simple revenge film, the popular action franchise has rapidly evolved into a fictional universe that portrays an expansive and fascinating criminal underworld governed by its own set of intricate rules. Given Brown’s proclivity for portraying menacing characters, however, he is sure to fit right into John Wick’s ultra-violent world.
Originally planned to be shot back-to-back with a fifth film, Lionsgate later delayed production on Chapter Five, opting instead to begin John Wick: Chapter Four on its own. Whether Brown’s character will live long enough to see another sequel, or perhaps an appearance in one of the spin-offs, remains to be seen. In the meantime, fans will have to wait until John Wick: Chapter Four releases in theaters in May 2022 to learn more.
Source: Deadline
