There are few action franchises more impressive than John Wick. With four masterful blockbusters, it gradually evolved from brilliantly restrained gunplay to a massive spectacle of violence. All of this success was built upon the goodwill gained by its first entry. This tetralogy has inspired countless imitators, singlehandedly revived the career of Keanu Reeves, and continues to ignite a passionate enthusiasm among fans. The title character is presumed dead, but can the franchise discover a new focal point?
Fans of the John Wick franchise are understandably satisfied with the bittersweet ending of the fourth chapter. After multiple installments that warned of Wick's inevitable fate, he ultimately dies victorious, fearlessly accepting his destiny. The story could easily conclude here, but there may still be a myriad of tales left for John Wick to recount.
John Wick is about more than John Wick
Content must be rewritten in English:
John Wick is not just any character; he is a character who brings fun, fascination, and complexity. His motivations are simple yet relatable, making him endearing. He possesses the unique qualities of a horror movie antagonist, but with a perspective that transforms him into a hero. Above all, he exudes an endless aura of coolness. While elements of his past remain hidden from us, John stands out as a protagonist who already knows every nook and cranny of his world. We, the audience, watch in awe as he shoots, stabs, and uses his judo skills to navigate from the lowest ranks to the highest echelons of this grim society. In the first film, we are pleasantly surprised to witness John Wick, seemingly a retired and mournful husband, being greeted with shivering terror by other characters.
Yet, surprise is no longer a central element in John Wick's story. His credentials as a formidable force are firmly established. However, John Wick still serves as our guide, leading us into the obscure criminal underbelly of his neo-noir universe. The films excel in efficiently constructing this world, unrivaled by any other action genre. As fans, there is still so much that we do not know about the High Table and its complex ecosystem. John Wick approaches each situation with a profound understanding of the rules and traditions, leaving little room for informative dialogue. Introducing a new character in Wick's shoes could provide the much-needed fresh perspective on this never-ending world. Future installments in the series could explore uncharted territories within Wick's realm, adding depth to secondary characters, and exploring the lasting impact of the titular assassin.
There are dozens of John Wick knock-offs
The question of whether a filmmaker can create a movie similar to John Wick without using the character himself has been answered multiple times, and the answer is a definite yes. Since the release of the first John Wick film in 2014, there have been numerous attempts to replicate its success by employing different actors in similar roles. Any action film that features an unstoppable protagonist, a strong emphasis on martial arts, a simple storyline, and a visually striking aesthetic will inevitably draw comparisons to John Wick. While some may argue that too many boundaries have been crossed, many of these comparisons are surprisingly accurate.
One example is Netflix's Blackout, which stars Josh Duhamel in the leading role and incorporates an irritating amnesia gimmick in place of a proper storyline. Atomic Blonde provides Charlize Theron with her own opportunity to shine, incorporating a Cold War espionage angle. Pure Flix's Beckman adds an inexplicable religious messaging aspect to an incredibly flawed version of the Wick format. Much of David Leitch's work has adhered to the successful blueprint set by his most popular film. It seems like everyone is attempting to replicate the success of John Wick, so why not let the original crew have another go at it?
John Wick has other stories worth telling
John Wick delves into the relentless cycle of revenge that consumes its participants. This destructive pattern extends beyond Mr. Wick himself. In the fourth installment, John Wick meets his demise, but his mission spawns new warriors who step into his shoes. Wick enlists his old comrades, Caine and Koji, to combat the High Table. As the fight ensues, Caine eliminates Koji but chooses to spare his young daughter, Akira. Although Akira departs from the film as John Wick leaves Osaka, she reappears briefly in a post-credit scene. Viewers witness her pursuit of her father's killer in Paris. While the battle remains unresolved, Akira possesses the strength to carry this franchise into a new chapter. This film is not solely centered around John Wick; rather, it explores the ongoing cycle of violence and introduces its latest representative.
The John Wick series can reach its conclusion or embark upon a new chapter. Akira has the potential to lead the fifth installment, given the vast domain of the High Table, which perpetuates an infinite cycle. The John Wick saga has always demonstrated a mythical aspect. A perpetual succession, loosely tied together by escalating violence, would solidify its comparison to ancient legends. While no franchise needs to last indefinitely, there is ample room in this one for a plethora of captivating narratives waiting to be told. Perhaps a simple change in name is all that is needed to continue the saga.
