Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum,’ 2019.Photo:Lionsgate/Kobal/Shutterstock
Lionsgate/Kobal/Shutterstock
John Wickhas become one of the most popular action franchises of all time.
The initial movie — starring Canadian actorKeanu Reevesas the titular character — begins with Wick, a legendary hitman ending his retirement to exact revenge on the men who broke into his home, beat him and killed his dog (a gift from his deceased wife). However, once he returns to the underworld ways of his past, Wick struggles to gain freedom from the life of killing he once left behind.
Furthermore, theJohn Wickuniverse is set to expand with several projects in the pipeline, including the 2025 spinoff movie starringAna de Armas,Ballerina.
Bridget Moynahan and Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick,’ 2014.David Lee/Thunder Road/Lionsgate/Mjw/Summit/Kobal/Shutterstock
David Lee/Thunder Road/Lionsgate/Mjw/Summit/Kobal/Shutterstock
The originalJohn Wickfilm started it all in 2014 with Reeves returning to his action roots to establish the franchise’s tone with its unrelenting, story-driven action, fighting and stunts. The film grossed $86 million against an estimated budget of $20 million, becoming a profitable sleeper hit while achieving critical success with aRotten Tomatoes score of 86%.
Keanu Reeves (right) in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2,’ 2017.Niko Tavernise/Shutterstock
Niko Tavernise/Shutterstock
John Wick: Chapter 2saw Wick pulled back into the underworld after being called on to kill a member of the High Table — an International Assassin’s Guild in charge of the underworld — as a favor he’d previously committed to before his retirement. The film was another hit, grossing more than $174 million worldwide.
Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry in ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum,’ 2019.Mark Rogers/Lionsgate/Kobal/Shutterstock
Mark Rogers/Lionsgate/Kobal/Shutterstock
The franchise returned withJohn Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellumin 2019, which picked up immediately where the second film ended as Wick was declared “excommunicado” (stripped of all underworld privileges). The film grossed $328 million and costarredHalle BerryasSofia Al-Azwar— the manager of the Continental in Casablanca — who told PEOPLE in 2019, “The trainingwas like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my whole career, and I’ve done a few action movies before.”
“After I sawJohn Wick 2,I researched how they did this,” she continued. “So, I knew how hard it was. Just being in it was life-changing. I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder or longer to prepare for a part in a movie.”
Reevescalled Berry an “inspiration,“telling her during a 2019 New York press conference: “When you come on screen, there’s an authenticity, an intimacy, a strength. But there’s mystery. There’s always a mystery to you.”
Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ 2023.Murray Close/Lionsgate
Murray Close/Lionsgate
After its premiere in 2023,John Wick: Chapter 4was hailed as a cinematic triumph for both the action genre and the franchise, with some critics calling it “one of the greatest action movies ever made.” It received the franchise’s highestRotten Tomatoes score at 94%and grossed $440 million.
“I love the challenges ofJohn Wick, it’s super intense,” Reeves told PEOPLE in March 2023. “It’s playful. I get to do different things — driving, you know? [I get to use] nunchucks and do movie Judo, movie jujitsu. So I really enjoy that.”
Colin Woodell (center) in ‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’.Katalin Vermes/Starz Entertainment
Katalin Vermes/Starz Entertainment
WatchThe Continental: From the World of John Wickon Peacock
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina,’ 2025.Courtesy of Lionsgate
Courtesy of Lionsgate
A spinoff movie titledBallerinais set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025, with the film taking place between the third and fourthJohn Wickinstallments.
Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ 2023.Lionsgate
BeyondBallerina,John Wickfans have more to look forward to as the franchise (well-known for its mythology, rules and a wide cast of intriguing characters) will branch out in numerous upcoming projects, including another spinoff movie, a sequel series and even an anime.
In May 2024,Deadline reporteda spinoff film set in Hong Kong is officially in the works, withDonnie Yenreprising his role as Caine, the blind assassin introduced inJohn Wick: Chapter 4. While there is no official logline yet, the film is expected to pick up after the eventsof Chapter 4andfurtherexplore Caine’s story as he navigates life post-High Table.
source: people.com