Summary
John Wickwill be returning to the big screen for the fifth time. However, there will be noticeable changes from the previous movies.
John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves, is one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood. It follows a hitman who left the criminal underworld when he found the love of his life, but was drawn back to it after his car was stolen and the puppy he received from his late wife was killed. It was well-received and fans couldn’t get enough of it that they still wanted another, even ifJohn Wick: Chapter 4ended with the titular character dead. However, a fifth movie was just greenlit, confirming that John Wick is alive. Fans are now clamoring to learn what the next film has to offer. The director teased that it would be a bit different from the previous entries in the franchise.
Director Chad Stahelski is returning to helmJohn Wick 5. In an interview with EMPIRE, the filmmaker spoke about the plot, which had been kept under wraps. Although he did not reveal too much, he shared something enough for fans to celebrate. Stahelski confirmed that Wick’s narrative with the High Table ended in the fourth movie. So the fifth one will be “a new story.” He explained:
The saga of John Wick was pretty wrapped up. So the only way to do a 5 is to have a new story that involves John Wick. It’s not a continuation, with the High Table. John dealt with his grief. It will be really different, and everybody [will] see the trailer and go, ‘Holy f**k… I gotta see that.
The director’s statement is aligned with Reeves’ response when asked for another John Wick movie. In a previous interview, he reiterated that “the character’s dead” when asked aboutJohn Wick 5. TheConstantinestar reminded fans that the titular character “died in John Wick 4.” However, just weeks after the interview, the fifth installment was officially announced. Thus, it’s likely that Reeves is already aware where the next movie is heading. Since the last film showed Wick’s tomb, it could mean that it was a wrap-up of the narrative of his return to the underworld and the next movie would be a rebirth of the character. With Wick leaving behind his criminal life, it makes sense that it will not include the High Table. However, it will surely introduce another opponent to maintain the high-octane theme of the film.
The previousJohn Wickmovies were tied tothe High Tablestoryline. The inclusion of High Table, the central governing body that controls the network of assassins and criminal organizations, in the films is probably one of the major elements that make the previous projects appealing to the audience. Thus, there’s no doubt that its absence inJohn Wick 5will be noticeable. Some are even worried that moving away from the already established narrative will dilute the movie series' essence.
However, they can always introduce new formidable adversaries. For instance, a new crime syndicate will present unique challenges to Wick. Or they can explore the members of the High Table, since not all seats have been revealed, and introduce a new character who will challenge Wick’s choices. Departing from the establishedJohn Wicknarrative involving the High Table carries risks. However, it also offers opportunities to enrich theJohn Wickuniverse. Based on Stahelski’s statement, it is promising. So, fans should wait until the trailer is out to decide whether it’s worth it.
