Chad Stahelski reveals his willingness to return as director of John Wick 5, but the story has to be strong. John Wick Chapter 4 seemed to have a definitive ending for the titular anti-hero, but there has been speculation from fans, especially with John Wick 5 originally greenlit back in 2020. Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake sparked new hope with fans when he confirmed John Wick 5 is in development during Lionsgate's Q4 2023 earnings call.
In a recent interview with Screen Rant for the John Wick Chapter 4 digital and home entertainment release, Stahelski discussed the possibility of returning to the John Wick universe as a director. He explained that he is open to directing John Wick 5 or a number of spin-offs. However, he made it clear that the story has to be right for him to return for John Wick 5 after how John Wick Chapter 4 ended. Check out Stahelski's full quote below:
Chad Stahelski: I'm massively in love with the characters and the world that we've built. I really love it. Do I want to try other things? Yes, but to be brutally honest with you, if I was smart enough and good enough to come up with a way to continue the story, I would. It just felt right to end where Keanu and I both just in our hearts and our souls, felt it was good to do what we did. To end it and put a good cap on this and feel satisfied and not go out on it down, but go out on a high. It felt right to end the series like that.
If there's a way to do a five that we figured out. If there's a way to do a Bowery King, if there's a way to do and Akira or Tracker or Donnie Yen versions that felt really right. I have no problem.I don't think I'd ever be the guy, "Oh, no, I've already done that." I would love to try to do something new because everyone's a challenge. I'm not trying to do an episodic feature thing where they're all the same.
I would try to do different lighting, I would try to do different worlds. You keep trying. And I think I'd find great interest and satisfaction in that. I just haven't thought of it yet. So to answer your question, yes. If something pops in and it works, yeah, I'd love to do it. If I could crack any of those stories that we mentioned, I'd love to.
What Will John Wick 5 Look Like?
While Stahelski seems satisfied with the ending that John Wick Chapter 4 gave to the character, his willingness to return for John Wick 5 is exciting. Stahelski is committed to telling good stories in the John Wick universe, which means if there is a John Wick 5, it will be inspired by a strong story, not a desperate need to continue the franchise. Drake renewing hope with confirmation of early development on John Wick 5 makes this even more exciting because it could mean that Stahelski is trying to crack the next installment.
The story for John Wick 5 remains a mystery, especially with John Wick Chapter 4 ending with John Wick's death. It could take a page out of Ballerina's book and explore a time between John Wick Chapter 4 and John Wick Chapter 3. It could also go even further back, exploring the early days of John Wick, when he earned the moniker Baba Yaga or when he fell in love. It's possible that John Wick faked his death to finally escape the grip of the High Table and gets pulled back in when one of his friends is in danger.
The key will be to crack the code of what John Wick story still needs to be told. John Wick Chapter 4 gave the character an honorable end, saving his friends and finally finding peace. Stahelski's love for these characters, this world, and the ending of John Wick Chapter 4 means that bringing John Wick back for John Wick 5 will have to be a story that undeniably needs to be told.