The John Wick franchise, a cornerstone of modern action cinema, is officially gearing up for its fifth installment, dispelling any doubts that the saga of the legendary assassin ended with John Wick: Chapter 4. Lionsgate, the studio behind the billion-dollar series, confirmed the development of John Wick 5 in a recent statement to Comic Book, reigniting excitement among fans worldwide. Jenefer Brown, Lionsgate’s EVP and Head of Global Products & Experiences, addressed the franchise’s future at a Las Vegas preview event for the John Wick Experience, saying, “It’s true that John Wick is gone in part 4, but please wait patiently for us to make the movie!” The announcement, made on March 11, 2025, comes as a thrilling promise that Keanu Reeves’ iconic Baba Yaga may not be resting in peace just yet, despite the somber conclusion of the last film.

John Wick: Chapter 4, released in March 2023, appeared to close the book on its titular hero. After an epic showdown at Paris’ Sacré-Coeur, John Wick succumbed to his wounds—or so it seemed—leaving Winston and the Bowery King mourning at his graveside. The film’s $440 million global haul and critical acclaim cemented it as the franchise’s high-water mark, but its ending left fans speculating. Was Wick truly dead, or had he orchestrated one final escape from the High Table’s grasp? Director Chad Stahelski and Reeves himself have fueled this ambiguity, with the former expressing openness to a sequel and the latter hinting that audience demand could dictate Wick’s fate. Now, Lionsgate’s confirmation signals that the story is far from over, even if the details remain tantalizingly vague.

Brown’s statement acknowledges the narrative hurdle posed by Chapter 4’s conclusion while teasing a deliberate approach to the next chapter. “This world continues to grow and expand in incredible ways,” she told Comic Book. “We’ve announced we’re working on a fifth John Wick film.” Her words suggest that the studio is taking its time to craft a worthy continuation, possibly exploring how Wick’s “death” could be a ruse or a stepping stone to a new arc. This aligns with earlier remarks from Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake, who, in a 2023 earnings call, revealed that John Wick 5 was in early development alongside spinoffs like The Continental and the upcoming Ballerina. The franchise’s universe is expanding, and Wick’s return seems poised to be an organic evolution rather than a hasty resurrection.

The prospect of John Wick 5 raises inevitable questions about Keanu Reeves’ involvement. At 60, Reeves has mused about the physical toll of the role, famously quipping in 2023 that he’d keep playing Wick “as long as the audience wants it.” His recent comments while promoting Ballerina—set for release on June 6, 2025—were more guarded: “The character’s dead. Right now, there isn’t [a plan].” Yet, Lionsgate’s track record suggests they won’t move forward without their star. Reports from August 2024 on X claimed Reeves was attached, with production eyed for later this year, though Stahelski has since clarified he’s not actively working on the script. The director’s insistence on a story that satisfies him, Reeves, and producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee indicates a cautious, quality-driven process.

In the meantime, the John Wick universe is thriving. The Continental, a 2023 prequel series, explored the hotel’s origins, while Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, bridges Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 with Reeves reprising his role in a supporting capacity. These spinoffs underscore Lionsgate’s strategy to keep the franchise’s pulse beating, but John Wick 5 remains the main event fans crave. Theories abound about its direction—could Wick emerge from hiding, his death a ploy to live free? Might it delve into his past or introduce a new protagonist tied to his legacy? The ambiguity of Chapter 4’s ending offers fertile ground for Stahelski’s signature blend of high-octane action and mythic storytelling.

For now, Lionsgate’s plea for patience is a calculated move to stoke anticipation. The franchise, which began in 2014 with a modest $86 million gross, has ballooned into a cultural juggernaut, with each film outpacing its predecessor. Chapter 4’s success—doubling Chapter 3’s $326 million—proves the appetite for Wick’s relentless vengeance remains insatiable. As Brown hinted, “We are all on bated breath waiting to find out” how Wick returns, a sentiment shared by millions. Whether it’s 2026 or beyond, John Wick 5 is no rumor—it’s a promise, smoldering in the workshop, ready to ignite the screen once more.