HOLLYWOOD, CA — Hold onto your hats, folks, because the John Wick franchise is proving to be as unkillable as its iconic protagonist. Want more? Too bad, Chachi! You’re getting more Wick anyway!
What began as a straightforward revenge tale in 2014 has exploded into a sprawling universe of relentless action, and fans couldn’t be happier. But with a slew of new projects on the horizon, we have to ask: Do we really need more John Wick? Spoiler alert: Absolutely! Especially when the alternative is another sleep-inducing Steven Seagal straight-to-DVD disaster.
The Original Saga: Where It All Began
The John Wick phenomenon started with a simple yet powerful premise: an ex-hitman seeking vengeance for his beloved dog’s death. Keanu Reeves brought this character to life with a blend of brooding intensity and expert martial arts, creating a symphony of bullets and balletic combat that took the world by storm. With four mainline films under its belt, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down, with John Wick: Chapter 4 smashing box office expectations and proving that this dog has plenty of fight left in him (pun intended).
Expanding the Universe: What’s Next?
The success of John Wick has naturally led to a cascade of spin-offs and prequels, expanding this action-packed universe in every direction. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming next:
John Wick: Chapter 5 Yes, the Baba Yaga is back! Details are scarce, but the anticipation is palpable. We can’t wait to see Keanu Reeves decimating foes with his trademark mix of guns, fists, and, of course, pencils.
Ballerina This spin-off stars the incredible Ana de Armas as a new assassin in the Wick universe. Directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina follows a young woman trained in the deadly arts of the Ruska Roma, out for revenge after her family’s murder. Set to release on June 7, 2024, it’s sure to deliver the same high-octane action and dark humor fans adore.
The Continental Set in the 1970s, this prequel series delves into the origins of the infamous hotel for assassins. Focusing on a young Winston (Colin Woodell) and Charon (Ayomide Adegun), it explores the hotel’s mysterious gold coin economy. Premiering on Peacock, this series offers a deep dive into the rich lore of the Wick world.
Caine Spin-off After wowing audiences in John Wick: Chapter 4, Donnie Yen’s character, Caine, is getting his own movie. This spin-off will explore the backstory and adventures of the blind assassin, adding another exciting layer to the ever-expanding Wickiverse.
John Wick: Under The High Table Just announced, this new series will continue the story post-John Wick: Chapter 4. Executive produced by Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski, and written by Robert Levine, it introduces new characters striving to make a name for themselves while some franchise veterans cling to the old ways. Stahelski is set to direct the pilot, ensuring the same high-quality action fans have come to expect.
Do We Need More John Wick?
Let’s get real: the John Wick series has consistently delivered top-tier action entertainment. The choreography, the world-building, and the stoic charm of Keanu Reeves make it a cut above the rest. Compared to Steven Seagal’s latest lackluster offerings, the John Wick series is practically high art.
So, do we need more John Wick? Heck yes! In a world where action movies often fall flat, the Wick franchise continues to innovate and captivate. And frankly, given the choice between Keanu Reeves meticulously dismantling a room full of adversaries or another wooden Seagal performance, the decision is a no-brainer.
Here’s to the endless expansion of the Wickiverse, bringing us more thrilling, pulse-pounding action for years to come. Because let’s face it, you can never have too much John Wick.