Keanu Reeves is known for his immersive and enduring performances as John Wick, a character that has defined a genre and an era. As the series progressed, so did the stakes, culminating in a climactic encounter in “John Wick: Chapter 4” that left fans stunned and craving for more. The latest installment in the franchise sees Wick entangled in a deadly dance with the Marquis de Gramont, a conflict that ends with John prevailing but also seemingly paying the ultimate price.
The Pitch That Almost Changed John Wick’s Fate
The path to John Wick’s latest showdown was fraught with risks and brutal exertion, both for the character and the actor. In an exclusive discussion with us, producer Basil Iwanyk revealed insights into the creative process behind the action icon’s destiny. Iwanyk recalled how Reeves, alongside director Chad Stahelski, has been considering the idea of Wick’s demise since “John Wick: Chapter 2.”
“On every movie he’s like, ‘This is when I die. I’m done.’ We always shoot options. We shoot one that he’s completely alive, one that is a little vague, and one that he’s dead,” Iwanyk shared. The producer humorously added, “And I remember, I think it was on John Wick 2, he was like, ‘Here’s what happens. They cut my head off.’ And I’m just like, ‘There’s no chance you’re getting your head cut off.'”
The Final Act That Felt Just Right
The “John Wick” franchise has made a name for itself not just through stylized action but also through the protagonist’s resilience against insurmountable odds. Reeves’ portrayal of Wick has drawn comparisons to iconic action figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator and Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne. It seemed, however, that an extremely violent end would be required to convincingly put Wick to rest, especially after the harrowing close of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.”
In the end, the creative team opted for a more nuanced conclusion. Rather than an end at the hands of an anonymous enemy, Wick’s finale was designed as a poignant and strategic victory against the Marquis, allowing Wick to secure the safety of those he holds dear through his own sacrifice.
John Wick’s Future: The Unwritten Chapter
While the prospect of a “John Wick: Chapter 5” remains intriguing to fans and Lionsgate alike, the team behind John Wick, particularly Stahelski and Reeves, remain cautious. They are committed to preserving the integrity of the character’s arc, indicating that unless a compelling and respectful continuation can be conceived, “John Wick: Chapter 4” may very well stand as John’s final chapter.
Iwanyk’s conversation with us also hinted at the future: “We don’t know what a ‘John Wick 5′ would be yet, but it’s going to be a completely other book in Wick’s life.” It suggests that while “Chapter 4” marks a significant point in the character’s journey, the door isn’t entirely closed on John Wick’s cinematic saga.
John Wick’s journey through the underworld of assassins has been nothing short of epic—a testament to Reeves’ dedication and the creative vision behind the franchise. Whether his story continues or finds a resting place in the emotional zenith of “Chapter 4,” John Wick’s legacy is firmly etched in the annals of action cinema history.
