The Baba Yaga might not be resting in peace just yet. Lionsgate has officially confirmed that John Wick: Chapter 5 is in early development — and while Keanu Reeves is expected to return, the project hinges on finding the right story to continue the assassin’s saga.
Director Chad Stahelski, the creative force behind the franchise’s relentless visual style and brutal elegance, recently shared new insights into the project’s status. Speaking at a press roundtable for the release of the spin-off Ballerina, Stahelski emphasized that he and the writing team, including series screenwriter Mike Finch, are committed to crafting a fifth installment that evolves the mythology while honoring what came before.
“We love the character. We love the world. But we don’t want to come back unless we can top what we did in Chapter 4,” Stahelski said. “We’ve had lots of ideas — some spiritual, some action-heavy, some deeply personal. But we’re not rushing it.”
The Wick Dilemma: Death or Disguise?
John Wick: Chapter 4 ended with what appeared to be the death of John himself, finally finding peace at the edge of a grave marked with his name. But the ambiguous nature of the ending — and Wick’s legendary ability to escape the impossible — left fans theorizing that he faked his death to finally break free of the High Table’s grip.
Now, sources close to Lionsgate confirm that the studio is actively developing ways to bring Wick back without undoing the emotional closure that Chapter 4 delivered.
“This isn’t about undoing his death,” said one source familiar with early script discussions. “It’s about exploring what a man like John Wick becomes when he no longer wants revenge — but the world won’t let him go.”
Keanu Reeves: Ready to Suit Up Again?
While Reeves has remained tight-lipped about his direct involvement, those close to the production say he is “very much interested” in returning — but only if the script respects the character’s arc.
Reeves, now 60, continues to be a major action draw, and his performance in Ballerina — which premiered to strong fan reaction this week — reminded audiences why the John Wick character remains one of modern cinema’s most iconic figures.
In a recent interview, Ballerina star Ana de Armas praised Reeves’ discipline and emotional depth: “He didn’t just show up for an action cameo. He showed up as John Wick. With everything that means.”
A Franchise Still Expanding
While John Wick 5 remains in development, the larger Wick Universe continues to thrive. Ballerina, released on June 6, 2025, explores the story of Rooney, a ballet-trained assassin seeking vengeance for her family’s death. Set between Chapters 3 and 4, the film features appearances by Reeves, Ian McShane (Winston), and Anjelica Huston (The Director).
Upcoming projects include a potential sequel to The Continental, the Peacock miniseries that delved into the origins of Winston and the mysterious underworld hotel. Lionsgate has also hinted at additional spin-offs focused on the High Table and other assassin guilds.
What Lies Ahead?
For now, Stahelski and team are taking a measured approach. “We built a world rich enough to keep exploring,” he noted. “But we also created an ending that we’re proud of. If we bring John back, it has to be meaningful. Not just another sequel — a reason to care.”
Fans will have to wait for more details, but one thing is certain: the world of John Wick is far from over. Whether he returns from the shadows or inspires a new legend, the legacy of Baba Yaga lives on.
