It’s not often that directors admit their own perceived shortcomings in filmmaking. The John Wick series, led by the indomitable Keanu Reeves, has been a roller coaster of intense action and profound narrative. But, there was a bump in this thrilling ride. “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” had an ending that left both fans and the creators wanting. Chad Stahelski, the director, dives deep into this sentiment, shedding light on why “Chapter 4” became a necessity.
Stahelski & Reeves’ Reflection on Parabellum’s Finale
2019’s “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” pushed the boundaries of action cinema, ending with a suspenseful climax that saw our protagonist thrown from a rooftop, only to rise with a vengeance against the High Table. While the film garnered positive reviews and box office success, something felt amiss.
In a candid discussion with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Stahelski admitted to feelings of dissatisfaction shared by him and Reeves. The duo felt they hadn’t given the series the closure it deserved. Stahelski shared, “We did the third movie and then we were really done. We’re like, ‘We’re done.’ And then again, it was a year later, Keanu and I both felt like we kind of let everybody down with the ending of number 3. I think it was well-received but it was kind of like, people really like John and they’re like, ‘What the f–k, guys? You know, that was an action ending, great. But okay, what the f–k? Tough talking mythology here and you didn’t really wrap it up. And we started talking more and more, and we just felt like we didn’t leave everything we had on the table.”
The Demand for a More Conclusive Chapter
The third movie of the series unquestionably upped the stakes. From its jaw-dropping action sequences to deepening the lore of the Wick universe, it was a cinematic spectacle. The expectations post the second chapter’s success were astronomical, and for many, they were met. However, the cliffhanger ending, while setting up an intriguing premise for another sequel, felt like an unfinished symphony to its creators.
Looking at the overarching narrative that borrows heavily from grand mythological themes, wrapping up John Wick’s journey in an abrupt manner wouldn’t do justice to the character or the story’s potential. The universe was brimming with tales yet to be told.
Franchise’s New High with Chapter 4
Given the reservations about the third film’s conclusion, Stahelski and Reeves embarked on creating a sequel that not only addresses the previous film’s shortcomings but sets a new benchmark. “John Wick: Chapter 4” promises to offer a more satisfying closure to the relentless assassin’s saga while sowing seeds for the next installment, “John Wick 5″.
Stahelski and Reeves’ introspective approach and commitment to delivering their best is a testament to their passion for the franchise and its fans. As anticipation builds for the next chapter in Wick’s odyssey, there’s a collective hope that it will deliver on its immense promise.
