Keanu Reeves Sets Specific Demands for John Wick Chapter 4
Keanu Reeves passionately pleaded with the producers of John Wick Chapter 4 for a crucial element to be included in the highly anticipated film, leading to intense negotiations
Highlights
Keanu Reeves requested a definitive end for John Wick in Chapter 4, but the producers left a 10% opening in case he wants to return.
Reeves sought closure after experiencing the physical and emotional toll of his role in the franchise. Although fans shouldn't set high expectations for John Wick's comeback, there remains a chance if it is executed correctly.
It was Keanu Reeves who specifically asked for the surprising twist to be included at the end of John Wick: Chapter 4.
Initially released in 2014, John Wick started off as a low-budget action movie featuring the well-loved actor, Reeves. Despite its limited budget, it managed to earn a respectable $86 million at the box office. Since then, the franchise has soared in popularity, with each subsequent installment surpassing its predecessor in terms of both financial success and critical acclaim. Not only are there already four movies in the series, but there is also an upcoming spin-off series of John Wick scheduled to be released on Peacock. Given the rarity of a franchise consistently improving with each new installment, fans shouldn't be too surprised if there are more John Wick movies to come.
In a recent interview with Collider discussing The Continental, the John Wick spinoff, franchise producer Basil Iwanyk shared that Reeves had expressed a strong desire for John Wick to be definitively killed off by the film's conclusion. However, the nature of Hollywood does not always align with such definitive endings. When a character and franchise like John Wick achieve tremendous success, their deaths are never truly definitive – there is always the possibility of a resurrection. Iwanyk detailed the negotiations surrounding John Wick's fate, stating, "He insisted on being definitively killed off at the end of this movie." However, the creative team decided to leave a small opening for potential future developments, keeping about 10% of a door ajar for further storylines.
In the interview, Iwanyk explained Reeves' insistence on having John Wick killed off. "After the second, third, and fourth movie, making these films is incredibly draining for Keanu, both physically and emotionally," Iwanyk stated. "By the end, he's always like, 'I can't do this again,' and we completely understand. He's completely depleted because he gives his all." Reeves's dedication to the John Wick franchise justifies his desire for a definitive end to his character.
This news may disappoint fans of John Wick who were hoping for the character's return in the future. However, Iwanyk has left a 10% possibility open if Reeves decides to come back and has said, "We all want another John Wick. We haven't figured out the specifics yet or when it will happen... If we can't figure it out, will there be another one? No, definitely not. We won't force it just for the sake of making it." Therefore, if Reeves does decide to reprise the role of John Wick, fans can be assured that it will be done properly and with care.
Reeves desired the character to be unequivocally deceased, but the producers ensured a slight possibility of his return. While fans should not overly anticipate John Wick's comeback, it remains a potential outcome. Amazon Prime Video offers John Wick: Chapter 4 for viewing.
Source: Collider
