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The following contains light spoilers for Monkey Man, now playing in theaters

Monkey Man does not have a post-credits scene, allowing the film to stand on its own merits. Dev Patel's focus on character and visuals creates a lean and impactful revenge film. The lack of a post-credits scene demonstrates confidence in the film's final moments and story.

Monkey Man is an impressive new action film directed by and starring Dev Patel, with some already clamoring for a follow-up that could justify a post-credits tease. Taking place largely in Mumbai, Monkey Man follows the Kid, a dedicated fighter who works to locate the people who took his mother away from him as a child. Co-produced by Jordan Peele, Monkey Man was able to gain a theatrical release that highlights just how visually impressive Dev Patel's Monkey Man really is.

In the modern era of filmmaking, it's common to see...

Neo, portrayed by Keanu Reeves in The Matrix, employs a range of martial arts techniques in all four films, even though his most famous quote is “I know kung fu”. The Wachowskis’ action film series were renowned for their brilliant martial arts action, which was unusual in American cinema at the time, in addition to their surreal storylines and thought-provoking ideas.

However, keen-eyed fans may have noticed that Neo prefers punching over kicking in his battles with the agents. Have you ever wondered why, though? Well, Reeves had back surgery shortly before filming on The Matrix began in order to treat a spinal injury that was paralyzing his legs.

Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films

As a result, the actor found kicking difficult, so he decided to focus on punching in Neo’s fight scenes.

The Matrix: Why Does Keanu Reeves’ Neo Punch More Than He Kicks?...

Exclusive: Action megastar Keanu Reeves has partnered with Academy Award winner Fisher Stevens to co-produce a documentary on the life story of Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, the iconic athlete who introduced mixed martial arts to the world.

Titled The Jet, the film is currently in production under the direction of Emmy-nominated sports documentary editor turned filmmaker Jennifer Tiexiera. Its financiers are Chris Quintos Cathcart and Tyler Boehm of the newly formed Unapologetic Projects, a company dedicated to working with underrepresented creators. Maura Anderson and Zak Kilberg of Stevens’ recently launched production company Highly Flammable will also serve as producers along with John Scalise and his Faya Project. Nancy Weisler, Brian Maya and Chris Quintos Cathcart & Tyler Boehm of Unapologetic serve as executive producers on the project slated for release in 2025.

Nicknamed for his explosive spinning back kick, Sensei Benny “The Jet” Urquidez had a profound impact on martial arts in mainstream culture,...

Anthony Mackie aims to join the John Wick franchise for its upcoming 5th or 6th installment, hoping for a fight scene with Keanu Reeves. Mackie's ambition extends beyond action roles, as he strives to earn the title of "cool dad" by sharing the screen with Reeves in John Wick. Currently, Mackie is immersed in his role as John Doe in the Twisted Metal series, showcasing his versatility as an actor in a unique character.

While Anthony Mackie is gearing up for his return as the iconic shield-bearer in Captain America: Brave New World, the Marvel star is also setting his sights on another action-packed universe: John Wick. In a recent interview with Total Film (via Games Radar), Mackie expressed his desire to join the high-octane franchise, hoping to secure a role in the upcoming John Wick 5 or John Wick 6. He said:

I’m really trying to get Keanu Reeves to...

Monkey Man, produced by Jordan Peele, offers a Wick-inspired action-packed adventure. Sugar by Apple TV+, starring Colin Farrell, mirrors the gritty world set up in John Wick. Ballerina, the first John Wick spin-off, directed by Len Wiseman, connects to the main films.

John Wick is one of the best action franchises in modern cinema, but with Wick now seemingly permanently retired, it's time to look to other movies that may take its place. John Wick was first released in 2014, and since then, there have been four mainline movies, and a spin-off series, The Continental. The movies quickly amassed a dedicated fanbase and helped to boost Keanu Reeves' popularity as an action star once again after he rose to fame in movies during the 90s and 2000s.

Action movies have a long history in Hollywood, often creating some of the biggest stars of any decade, and this was repeated with the John Wick movies.

In 2015, Keanu Reeves' career was on a big upswing. There had been a period of time in the 2000s when his career had sputtered a bit with a series of underwhelming films. The public's love for Reeves hadn't ceased at all, but his star power looked to be on the decline. Then came John Wick in 2014, a film that at first looked to be a case of another aging star in a shoot 'em up action movie, but turned out to be so much more. It was a challenge for Reeves, but perhaps his ultimate challenge would come the following year with his next film, Knock Knock, co-starring fellow Ana de Armas — who is set to appear in the 2025 John Wick-universe film Ballerina.

John Wick 4 pays homage to the cult-classic action film The Warriors with a memorable broadcast sequence. The John Wick franchise's distinct approach, including intricate underworld mythology and expertly choreographed action, sets it apart from other contemporary genre films, but helps it reference the classics. While the homage to The Warriors in John Wick 4 is entertaining, it doesn't surpass the main plot of the 1979 film.

During one memorable sequence, John Wick 4 features a "stealth remake" of a 44-year-old, cult-classic action movie — one that still can't be beat even four decades after its debut. Like its beloved predecessors, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a neo-noir action thriller that stars Keanu Reeves in the titular role. In the first film, Wick, who's grieving the recent loss of his wife, is drawn back into the criminal underworld when mobsters murder his dog. In subsequent John Wick chapters, the revenge-driven hitman fulfills...

The Bikeriders, originally dropped by Disney, will now be distributed by Focus Features in summer 2024. The delay in release may benefit the film, as it will avoid competition from other popular December releases and potentially thrive as a summer movie. With positive early reviews and comparisons to Sons of Anarchy, The Bikeriders has the potential to be a sleeper summer blockbuster and awards contender.

After being dropped by Disney, The Bikeriders will now be distributed by Focus Features in summer 2024. The star-studded movie follows the members of a fictional motorcycle club over the course of a decade as they grow their club and navigate life in 1960s Chicago. Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Norman Reedus, the Jeff Nichols-directed movie premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival in August 2023 and was originally slated for theatrical release December 1, 2023.

The Bikeriders was pulled from Disney's release schedule because of...

Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series spotlighting the year’s most talked-about scripts continues with action franchise smash John Wick: Chapter 4. The fourth installment in the Chad Stahelski-directed series was penned by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch (based on characters created by Derek Kolstad) in their first turn with Baba Yaga — even if the titular revenge artist, played by Keanu Reeves, speaks only 380 words of dialogue.

From Lionsgate/Thunder Road Films/87 Eleven, John Wick: Chapter 4 sees the ex-hitman uncover a path to defeating crime lord council The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe, and forces that turn old friends into foes.

The film is the highest-grossing of the franchise at over $440 million in global box office, and in May pushed the four-title series across the $1 biillon mark worldwide. It is also the...

The Color Purple's lead actor shoots her shot at a potential opportunity to star alongside the eponymous gun-toting assassin in the popular John Wick film franchise following her feature in the upcoming musical drama.

Speaking to Variety at Elle's Women in Hollywood event in Los Angeles, Fantasia Barrino signaled her intent to star in a future John Wick movie, if given the chance. According to Barrino, she wants to step out of her comfort zone and "kick ass" in a role audiences wouldn't expect her to play. “I want to step out and do a character you’d probably never think of me as. I want you to hate me," she said. “Was John Wick a villain? Maybe not, but he was kick-ass. I want something where I can kick ass!”

Related John Wick Director Says He and Keanu Reeves Are "Very Proud" of How Chapter 4 Ended John Wick...

The John Wick franchise is expanding with multiple spinoff films, including Ballerina and a potential Bowery King movie. Ballerina"will feature a female lead character, offering a new perspective on the assassin underworld. Other potential spinoffs include a Sofia movie and an Akira movie, exploring their past and future in the franchise.

The John Wick films are full of many characters with their own unique skills and backstories, meaning there is a lot of potential for spinoff films to be created that fans may be eager to see. The growing popularity of the franchise over the years has allowed it to continue to grow and evolve even beyond where John Wick: Chapter 4 leaves the story. Lionsgate has already confirmed that John Wick: Chapter 5 is being written, but there is much more for fans to look forward to seeing. It has also been revealed that multiple new John Wick spinoffs are in the works,...

German-born laywer acquired hundreds of film and TV projects as pre-buys from US producers.

International media consultant and producer Thomas Augsberger has passed away suddenly at his home in the Hollywood Hills. He was 60 years old.

The German-born lawyer was founder of Eden Rock Media, a film and television production company and media consulting business.

Augsberger advised a number of high-profile media clients over the years, most prominently Germany’s Leonine Studios. Before Leonine, Augsberger spent 23 years as an advisor to Dr. Herbert Kloiber’s Tele Muenchen Group as Tmg’s exclusive North American representative in the US.

Augsberger’s...

Thomas Augsberger, the producer, international film consultant, former Lionsgate board member and founder of Eden Rock Media, has died. He was 60.

Augsberger died suddenly on Monday, November 27, at his home in the Hollywood Hills, members of his family told The Hollywood Reporter.

The German-born and trained attorney was best known as the longtime consultant and North American representative for Herbert Kloiber‘s German mini-major Tele Muenchen Group (Tmg). After Leonine acquired Tmg in 2019, Augsberger continued to advise the company on film projects and acquisitions.

Over more than two decades, Augsberger acquired hundreds of film and TV projects for the German market from producers, sales agents and studios, making him one of the most important figures on the independent scene. He helped secure prebuys of Marvel’s Iron Man, Summit Entertainment’s Twilight and Lionsgate’s John Wick and Hunger Games franchises, including the recent prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,...

International media consultant and producer Thomas Augsberger died suddenly on Tuesday at his home in the Hollywood Hills, his publicist informed Variety. He was 60.

The German-born and trained attorney was founder of film and television production company and media consulting business Eden Rock Media. Augsberger’s high profile media clients included Germany’s Leonine Studios. Prior to Leonine, Augsberger served for more than two decades as an advisor to the Tele Muenchen Group (Tmg) as their exclusive North American representative in the U.S. During this time he oversaw Tmg investments in the U.S., including a preferred equity investment in Lionsgate Entertainment in 1999 and the acquisition of the Mutual Film Library in 2006.

Over his 26-year consulting career, Augsberger acquired hundreds of projects as pre-buys including Marvel’s Iron Man franchise, Voltage’s Oscar winner “The Hurt Locker,” Paramount’s “Shutter Island,” Summit’s Twilight franchise, Lionsgate’s John Wick franchise,...

Deadline has learned that Thomas Augsberger, Eden Rock Media founder, producer and international media consultant died suddenly today at his Hollywood Hills home. He was 60 years old.

The German-born and trained attorney advised a number of high-profile media clients over the years, most prominently Germany’s Leonine Studios. Prior to Leonine, Augsberger served 23 years as an advisor to Dr. Herbert Kloiber‘s Tele Muenchen Group as Tmg’s exclusive North American representative in the US.

In 2002, he founded Eden Rock Media, a film and television production company and media consulting business.

Augsberger was widely respected for his deep experience in the production and acquisition of feature films, television series, and content libraries; investments in US distributors and production companies; the co-financing, co-production, and distribution of film, television, and digital projects; and the negotiation of German output deals with studios for theatrical, home entertainment, and television. Over the course of his 26-year consulting career,...

Following her Best Original Screenplay win for Promising Young Woman, Saltburn, Emerald Fennell’s sophomore feature, presents a gothic tale of obsession and excess, starring Barry Keoghan as Oliver, a social-climbing Oxford student obsessed with the aristocratic Felix (Jacob Elordi). The multi-hyphenate Fennell also pops up as the pregnant Midge doll in Barbie and is co-penning the upcoming John Wick spinoff Ballerina. Here, she agrees to revisit some best memories, or, as she puts it, “rummage around those skeletons.”

Best Advice I Ever Received

After the incredible surprise and joy of winning an Academy Award two years ago, I was lining up for the Porta-Potty because it was Covid times and things were like a wedding. Frances McDormand was queuing behind me, and I was holding the Oscar, completely shell-shocked. She saw me and she leaned in said, “Do you want to know my advice?” And I said, “Yes, please.

The failure of The Continental provides an opportunity for a Bowery King spinoff in the John Wick franchise. The Bowery King's network and charismatic character make it a compelling option for further exploration. A Bowery King spinoff would succeed by offering a distinct identity, contrasting the formal tone of John Wick with a gritty and fun atmosphere while benefitting from the star power of Laurence Fishburne.

The John Wick franchise is in an uncertain position after the underwhelming response to The Continental, but the show's failure opens up the perfect opportunity for a Bowery King spinoff. Of all the eccentric syndicates and subsets of John Wick’s criminal world, the network of the Bowery King is one of the most compelling. The endlessly charismatic Laurence Fishburne is a consistent joy to watch as the self-proclaimed monarch whose network of soldiers and spies masquerades as members of New York City’s unhoused population.

The action films Atomic Blonde, Nobody, and The Killer share similarities with the John Wick franchise, making them feel like potential spinoffs. Atomic Blonde, directed by David Leitch, features a brutal MI6 agent similar to John Wick, and a crossover between the two films has been discussed. Nobody, written by Derek Kolstad and co-produced by David Leitch, also shares dark tones, Russian antagonists, and intense action scenes reminiscent of John Wick.

Several action films tried to recreate the success of the John Wick franchise, with a few working out so well that they could've been perfect spinoffs. Since there is a market for action films following ex-assassins in their quest for revenge with superbly choreographed fight moves, there are some movies out there that seem to have copied the formula of Keanu Reeves' films and found success with it. Although they aren't explicitly part of the same universe, there are...

John Wick: Chapter 4 helmer Chad Stahelski insists that he and star Keanu Reeves are satisfied with the much-talked-about ending of the acclaimed neo-noir action film as questions about Chapter 5 remain.

Speaking at Deadline's Contenders Film event in Los Angeles, Stahelski branded Chapter 4 as a "love letter" to the industry, with the latest John Wick sequel writing a seemingly fitting end to the titular film series and character. When addressing if there's a chance of Reeves' central character returning for John Wick 5 despite seemingly meeting his demise at the conclusion of Chapter 4, he said he and Reeves are "very proud" of how the film ended and "feel good" about where they left the story. However, Stahelski left the door open for a sensational return for Wick, though it would have to be under the right circumstances. "Honestly, to be fair, if either one of us woke up tomorrow and had...

The sequel to 2018’s Believer has left fans more than dissatisfied. It’s already an established fact that the only good thing about the film is Han Hyo-Joo’s performance, which has taken over social media for her badassery alone. The film attempts to fill the gaps like plastering over the Mona Lisa, making a terrible sequel to a well-received film. What made Believer a big hit was the impressive cast, the action-packed story that kept you on the edge of your seats, as well as the impactful ending. Believer 2 begins before that open ending, leading up to the moments there, and then completely ruins it. We suppose you can’t trust anything with Believer in the title right now. If you’re looking for some fantastic Korean thrillers to make yourself feel better after seeing this blunder, here’s the perfect list for you.

Ballerina

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Screen is listing the 2024 release dates for films in the UK and Ireland in the calendar below.

For distributors who wish to add/amend a date on the calendar, please get in touch with Screen here. Screen is also running a calendar for festival and market dates throughout 2024 here.

January

January 5

Priscilla (Mubi), One Life (Warner Bros), Scala! (BFI), Night Swim (Universal), Blank (Sparky)

January 6

Nabucco - Met Opera 23/24 (Trafalgar)

January 12

Poor Things (Disney), The Boys In The Boat (Warner Bros), Freaks Vs The Reich (Miracle/Dazzler), The Beekeeper (Studiocanal...

John Wick: Chapter 4 has the best reviews yet in the franchise and Lionsgate is campaigning for multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. The John Wick franchise has had a huge impact on the action genre, inspiring other filmmakers to create elegant and successful action movies. Lionsgate has been a supportive and collaborative partner, allowing the filmmakers to bring their crazy and unique vision to life, even as the budgets have increased.

Keanu Reeves and his team are eyeing Oscars gold with John Wick: Chapter 4. In addition to being the biggest installment yet in the franchise, the fourth installment has scored the best reviews yet for the action movie series, with Lionsgate currently mounting a campaign for it to net multiple nominations at this year's Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Chad Stahelski, Best Cinematography for Dan Laustsen and Best Production Design.

Alongside Reeves,...

It’s interesting how much we like a negative female character who is wholly violent and has not an inch of empathy but is bogged down by something like daddy issues or raging Ptsd. Maybe this is today’s manic-pixie dream girl. The signs are all there; she’s not like the other girls; no, really, never mind doing her nails; she probably doesn’t even shower every day; and she’s always hungry… for blood. Specifically, in the K-world, there’s a special attachment that fans have to intense female characters with superpower-level physical strength and the ability to fight for themselves, whether they are positive or negative. This is, presumably, a direct reaction to having female leads who are docile, caring, fragile, and in need of protection. They’re independent, career-driven women, but they’re still desperate for love and need their Prince Charming. No, there are female...

Spoiler Alert: This post contains details from the plot of John Wick: Chapter 4.

At the end of John Wick: Chapter 4, director-producer Chad Stahelski and producer Erica Lee appeared to be putting the franchise to rest, as John Wick (Keanu Reeves) took a bullet to the gut in a duel, seemingly succumbing to his injuries. That being said, is there any way the hero of this franchise could be resurrected, as has been done with action heroes of films like Netflix’s Extraction?

“You never know,” Stahelski teased Saturday at Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles event. “Keanu’s hard to kill.”

“Never say never,” added Lee, in a conversation moderated by Justin Kroll, also featuring supervising sound editor Mark Stoeckinger.

Related: Deadline Contenders Film Los Angeles Arrivals and Panels Gallery: Cillian Murphy, Taraji P. Henson, Annette Bening, Bradley Cooper and More

In all seriousness, though, Stahelski said, the pair are...

As it is, Believer was not a fantastic movie; in fact, it’s a grain of sand on the shore that is the Korean action film industry. It’s not unusual to have great expectations from a country that has given us action-packed spectacles like Oldboy, I Saw the Devil, or most recently, Ballerina, and it’s equally fair to be disappointed. Personally, Believer wasn’t anything special on its own, and in an attempt to make a twisted film, the story got lost within itself, making for a convoluted film with an open ending. Now, we get Believer 2, a (very unnecessary) sequel to a rather mediocre movie. At least the first part had a decently cohesive story, though. Believer 2 follows Detective Won-Ho (again) as he continues his search for Asia’s (supposed) biggest drug-ring mastermind, Mr. Lee, along with looking for Rak, the inside man who got away.

Director Chad Stahelski finds the theory that Winston is John Wick's father-in-law clever and cool, hinting that it could potentially be true. The theory is supported by the presence of Wick's 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429, which was driven by Winston in The Continental prequel series. While Stahelski did not initially intend for this connection, he is open to the possibility of exploring the father-in-law theory in future John Wick movies.

John Wick director Chad Stahelski addresses a popular fan theory about Wick’s father-in-law. Introduced in the very first film in the action-packed Keanu Reeves-led franchise, Ian McShane’s Winston becomes a key character throughout the series, and in fact is the man with the strongest connection to the enigmatic Wick. But certain clues sprinkled throughout the movies have convinced some that the connection between Winston and Wick goes beyond mere friendship, leading to a theory positing that McShane...

John Wick spinoffs, like Ballerina, offer an opportunity to expand the world-building and characters of the franchise, which sets it apart from other action franchises. The world-building in John Wick films has created exciting spinoff opportunities for other characters, allowing for deeper exploration and a more authentic feel to the universe. John Wick 5 will change the ending of John Wick 4, but spinoffs can build on the reveal of John Wick's survival and explore its impact on the world of contract killers, strengthening the franchise if done thoughtfully.

Studios have confirmed John Wick spinoffs are in development that could potentially be more exciting than John Wick 5, whose sript is actively being written. After John Wick: Chapter 4 became the most successful of all the John Wick films, it was only a matter of time before Lionsgate decided to entreat Keanu Reeves to appear in another installment. However, news of...

With multiple spin-offs either airing or planned since John Wick: Chapter 4, franchise producer Basil Iwanyk has expressed his interest in creating a series centered around the eponymous hitman's partner-in-crime.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Iwanyk teased the prospect of creating a spin-off chronicling Laurence Fishburne's mysterious character, the Bowery King. A long-time associate of Wick, Bowery King has become a fan favorite of franchise viewers, and Iwanyk believes there's legitimacy and intrigue in a potential film or series based on the character -- one who he believes has an interesting backstory. "I like the Bowery King a lot, and I like that world," he said. "We scratched the surface of who he is and who these men are and women, and why they do what they do. I think there's something really cool about these people who make conscious choices to be in the shadows. And be...

John Wick Producer Basil Iwanyk's enthusiasm for the Bowery King's world is palpable, as he sees potential in delving into themes of choice, identity, and survival against a backdrop of urban darkness and intrigue. A potential Bowery King spinoff in the John Wick universe represents a step into uncharted territory, exploring the mysterious character and his world of unseen figures. A Bowery King spinoff would allow for a shift in the franchise's center of gravity, potentially providing a new anchor for the series with Laurence Fishburne's acclaimed performance and personal investment in the character.

John Wick has distinguished itself in the action film genre, offering an experience that fuses intense action sequences with a richly textured underworld. The action genre has been revolutionized by the series, which also rose to the status of a cultural icon, drawing in fans who are ardently awaiting more. The latest buzz surrounding this franchise is particularly exciting,...

The world of John Wick expands with spinoffs and films in development, including the recent spinoff series The Continental and the upcoming film Ballerina. The future of key John Wick characters, like the Bowery King, is unclear, but the producer expresses interest in giving the Bowery King a proper spinoff. A Bowery King spinoff would capitalize on Laurence Fishburne's acting prowess, explore the character's powers and resources, and delve into the unique world he inhabits.

The world of John Wick continues to expand with more spinoffs and films in the development pipeline. The Continental: From the World of John Wick spinoff series premiered in September 2023, and Ballerina, the spinoff film starring Ana de Armas, is set to release in June 2024. With Keanu Reeves’ franchise future currently unclear, the filmmakers behind the universe of John Wick are clearly looking for ways to get more out of the popular franchise.

Long-time John Wick producer Basil Iwanyk teased the highly-anticipated Ballerina spinoff starring Oscar nominee Ana de Armas.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Iwanyk praised the upcoming film’s "f—ing great" script, which was written by Promising Young Woman writer-director Emerald Fennell, who signed onto the project last Nov. 2022 to rewrite Shay Hatten’s original draft. According to the producer, the Oscar-winning scribe’s addition to the spinoff gave De Armas’ character more depth and emotion. "Emerald loves the John Wick movies. Loved it. And she was like, 'I don't see these kinds of movies. This is awesome,'" Iwanyk said. "And she wrote a f——ng great draft. And we used a vast majority of it. And she gave that character, honest character, some — I'm not saying real, because remember we're talking about the John Wick world, but it felt grounded, emotionally grounded as a female character. That,...

It's safe to say that John Wick is one of the most influential and iconic action movies of the 21st century. Since its release in 2014, it has spawned four sequels, each one more financially successful than the last, a prequel television series titled The Continental, video games, and the upcoming spin-off film Ballerina, starring Academy Award nominee Ana de Armas. The film not only reignited the career of Keanu Reeves, but it turned its directors, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, into two of the most sought-after filmmakers in Hollywood. While Leitch left the franchise after the first film, Stahelski stayed on to direct all three sequels, capping it off earlier this year with the nearly 3-hour finale John Wick: Chapter 4.

John Wick: Chapter 4 became the entry that solidified the franchise as a big moneymaker. And although the ending had left the future open for possible sequels, Keanu Reeves has not been secretive about how much harder it is to keep up with the action and begged for a definite ending for the character. However, despite several spin-offs being released, the studio now smells the money and wants to immediately develop a direct follow-up to Chapter 4 with Reeves in tow. People keep asking if he’s back, and he hasn’t really had an answer, but yeah, the studio is thinking he’s back.

ScreenRant has reported that Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake has stated at a recent earnings call, courtesy of ComicBook.com, that the studio is now including a Chapter 5 in the development of future franchise content. Drake has said, “On the Wick side we got multiple spin-offs and a Wick Five.

Following the success of the John Wick franchise, subsequent spin-offs were inevitable. We've already had The Continental, a prequel series set around 50 years prior to the events of the Keanu Reeves-starring film series, while Ballerina, the movie starring Ana de Armas, will follow next year. That's not all, thankfully, for Wick fans, as series supremo Chad Stahelski has been telling The Discourse podcast.

Producer Basil Iwanyk praises Emerald Fennell's contribution to the Ballerina script, emphasizing the need for a real and grounded female character in the John Wick spinoff. Fennell's work on Promising Young Woman and Killing Eve demonstrates her talent for storytelling and earned her multiple award nominations and wins. With Fennell's authentic female-driven script and director Len Wiseman's genre expertise, Ballerina is poised to be an exciting expansion of the John Wick franchise, potentially reaching the critical heights of its predecessors.

As it gears up to introduce a new world of the John Wick franchise to audiences, producer Basil Iwanyk hypes how Promising Young Woman writer/director Emerald Fennell helped improve Ballerina. The upcoming movie acts as a spinoff of the Keanu Reeves-led action franchise, set between its third and fourth movies and centering on an assassin of the Ruska Roma syndicate who sets out to get revenge...

Keanu Reeves’ John Wick may have died in the latest film in the franchise, but that isn’t stopping Lionsgate from pushing ahead with a script for a fifth installment, according to a studio executive.

As ComicBook.com reports, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake confirmed in a quarterly earnings call that the conclusion of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in Hollywoood means that work on John Wick 5 has now resumed. Drake told investors that “on the [John] Wick side we have got multiple spin-offs and Wick 5. We started to work on [it] right when the writers' strike started and we've gotten back to work as soon as it ended."

John Wick 4 is the End of the Line for Keanu Reeves’ Character Says Franchise Director

It appears that Lionsgate is committed to making the most out of the popularity of John Wick and the series’ star, Keanu Reeves, and these plans...

When Chad Stahelski stopped by to chat with The Playlist for an upcoming episode of The Discourse with Mike D’Angelo, it wasn’t entirely about his “John Wick” franchise. But the action series did take up a giant chunk of the conversation, considering it’s Stahelski’s brainchild and what’s put him on the Hollywood map to make his “Highlander” remake and more. But does the future hold for the franchise after Peacock‘s “The Continental” and the upcoming spinoff “Ballerina,” specifically “John Wick 5,” which was originally announced in tandem with “John Wick: Chapter 4“?

Continue reading Chad Stahelski Says He Was Surprised When Lionsgate Announced ’John Wick 4’ & ‘5’ Back To Back at The Playlist.

Lionsgate confirms that scripting began for John Wick 5 right as the WGA strike started, and it has now resumed following the strike's conclusion. After The Continental, and in addition to Ballerina, an Ana de Armas spinoff movie, more John Wick spinoff projects are confirmed to be in development. Director Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves have previously addressed their potential returns for John Wick 5, expressing that they'll only do it if the story is worth telling.

John Wick 5 gets a reassuring new script update and more franchise spinoffs are confirmed to be in development. Following the explosive and ambiguous John Wick: Chapter 4 ending, the world of the assassin franchise was further expanded in the recent spinoff show, The Continental, with an additional Ana de Armas-led spinoff movie called Ballerina set to bow next year. While Lionsgate was quick to announce a fifth chapter in the Keanu Reeves saga,...

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake announces that John Wick 5 is in the works, alongside multiple spinoffs. The upcoming John Wick 5 movie will be a separate story and not a direct continuation of John Wick 4, according to producer Basil Iwanyk. Director Chad Stahelski reveals that an anime series set in the world of John Wick is also in development, adding to the expanding franchise.

Now that both the writers’ and actors’ strikes have come to an end, Hollywood can start pressing ahead with major projects. And it seems that John Wick 5 will be one such project. During a recent quarterly earnings call, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake revealed that work is now underway on a script for the fifth John Wick outing, as well as revealing that several spinoffs are also in the works. See what he had to say below (via Comicbook.com).

"On the Wick...

The world of John Wick just keeps getting bigger.

Appearing on The Playlist's The Discourse podcast, longtime John Wick director Chad Stahelski revealed his and Lionsgate's upcoming plans for the action franchise, including a new TV show and an anime. The former, he revealed, might "explore The High Table" that runs Wick's shadowy assassin culture, but also be "completely separate" from Peacock's The Continental: From the World of John Wick miniseries, which explores how Winston Scott became manager of the titular New York hotel.

The Future of the John Wick Franchise Is So Much More Than the Titular Assassin

Instead of Wick or Winston, Stahelski teased the possibility of exploring other characters introduced in John Wick: Chapter 4. "Yeah, I love Donnie [Yen], I love Rina [Sawayama], love the Tracker (Shamier Anderson), and the TV show and the ancillaries will give us a chance to expand the kind of fun world we've created,...

Just when the entertainment world felt like it couldn't possibly sustain even just a single shared universe on top of what we already have, yet another contender is about to enter the ring. The "John Wick" franchise's first attempt at expanding its influence to the small screen with "The Continental," uh, didn't go very well, to put it mildly. But as the old adage goes, if at first you don't succeed at strip-mining IP for every cent it's worth, try, try again.

The good news is that, this time around, director Chad Stahelski will be much more involved with at least two new upcoming "John Wick" shows. We've known about the Ana de Armas-starring "Ballerina" spinoff film, but this is the first we've heard about both an anime spin-off and a separate live-action series that will dive even deeper into the mythical world-building from the movies. In an appearance...

Exclusive: Range Media Partners has signed filmmaker Len Wiseman.

He will next debut his highly anticipated film Ballerina, which is set to bow on June 7, 2024. The film is an action spinoff of the lucrative John Wick franchise and follows a young assassin, played by Oscar nominee Ana de Armas, who seeks revenge against the people who killed her family. The film also stars Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Wick after a box office success with John Wick: Chapter 4, along with Norman Reedus and Lance Reddick.

Best known for his Underworld film series, which was released as five films starting with Underworld which bowed in 2003. The film starred Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman and Michael Sheen and led to four sequels starting with Underworld: Evolution, which he also directed. He would go on to produce future sequels Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Underworld: Awakening and Underworld: Blood Wars through his Sketch Films banner.

Director Chad Stahelski reveals plans for a new John Wick TV series and anime series, aiming to expand the franchise beyond movies. The TV show will explore The High Table and its representatives, while the anime series will take advantage of the medium's storytelling capabilities. Stahelski expresses excitement in the opportunity to delve into new characters and expand the world of John Wick through these upcoming projects.

Director Chad Stahelski has revealed that a new John Wick television series is now in development alongside an anime series. Speaking with The Playlist, Stahelski offered some insight into what’s in store, with the filmmaker eager to expand the franchise far beyond the movies and the recent TV spinoff The Continental: From the World of John Wick, with the hopes of bringing back the likes of Donnie Yen and Shamier Anderson.

After being asked about The High Table and why we haven’t really met them yet,...

John Wick: Chapter 4 concluded the franchise in an elegant way, leaving the possibility open for another movie with a fresh start and a different story. The cast and crew's passion for filmmaking drives their willingness to return, despite the challenges that come with making these movies. The John Wick universe will expand with projects like The Continental prequel, Ballerina, and a television series, providing new creative opportunities and exciting prospects.

John Wick: Chapter 4 marked a pivotal moment in the franchise, concluding with Wick's victorious duel against Marquis Vincent Bisset de Gramont but at the cost of his own life. In an interview with Screen Rant, producer Basil Iwanyk expressed his appreciation for the way the film concluded, describing it as an elegant way to end the series. Despite the possibility of another movie, the producer hinted at a fresh start, comparing each film to a book in a series. He...

Jeon Jong-seo stands out among other actors, both new and seasoned, with her ability to portray fascinatingly layered characters with ease. Her choice of movies, ranging from subtle dramas to action-packed thrillers, showcases her versatility as an actress. Jeon Jong-seo's depth of emotion displayed on her face and her impressive body language contribute to her captivating performances.

A rising star that’s slowly but surely emerging into the film industry both in her native South Korea and internationally is Jeon Jong-seo. She made her acting debut in 2018’s South Korean thriller film Burning. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned a nomination for the Palme d'Or. This international exposure helped her expand her work beyond South Korea, where she debuted in the 2021 film Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon alongside Kate Hudson and Craig Robinson.

While there's an abundance of great actors out there, Jeon Jong-seo stands out among the crowd,...

Director Chad Stahelski is interested in exploring new characters and worlds in the John Wick TV show, including the homeless group of the Bowery King's world. Stahelski wants to bring back beloved supporting characters from previous movies, including Rina Sawayama and Halle Berry's characters, in potential spinoff storylines. The potential TV show could delve into different cultures and criminal organizations, including the Italians, French, Japanese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indonesian, and Russian cultures.

With the franchise's first spinoff The Continental recently having aired, director Chad Stahelski shares new insight for the new John Wick TV show in the works. The franchise's director first revealed the show was in the works in May 2023, keeping the majority of its details under wraps, save for the confirmation that it will not center on Keanu Reeves' iconic assassin, nor will he feature in the story. With The Continental exploring the origins of the titular...

John Wick Chapter 4's epic finale could serve as a definitive end to the story, but the success of the movie may lead to a fifth installment. Other expansions of the John Wick universe, like The Continental, have not been as effective as the original story. Producer Basil Iwanyk is optimistic about a fifth John Wick movie but believes it will be a different story and may not feature Keanu Reeves' character.

The John Wick saga reached its highest point with its fourth installment, which had an epic finale that could easily serve as a definitive end to the story of Keanu Reeves' character. However, the possibility of a fifth installment is present due to the enormous success achieved with the most recent movie, and producer Basil Iwanyk is optimistic about the next chapter in the saga.

Although the John Wick universe has already found other ways to expand beyond...

Producer Basil Iwanyk is confident a John Wick 5 will be made at some point in the future, though isn't looking to rush its development. If there is another John Wick movie, it will be a completely different story and not necessarily a continuation of the previous four movies. The timeline and direction are still unknown. While fans debate whether another movie is necessary, there are plans for a spinoff called Ballerina featuring Reeves and other franchise actors in cameo roles, expanding the universe without undoing John Wick's powerful ending.

After plenty of back and forth on if the sequel will happen, franchise producer Basil Iwanyk weighs in on whether John Wick 5 is moving forward. Despite the latest movie ending with Keanu Reeves' eponymous character seemingly meeting his end, Lionsgate announced two months after Chapter 4's release that they were moving forward with a fifth movie, looking to capitalize on...

John Wick: Chapter 4 is the last installment in the mainline series says franchise creator Chad Stahelski, who still pointed out he isn't closing any doors on Keanu Reeves reprising the role.

John Wick: Chapter 4 had an ambiguous ending that left fans wondering if the franchise ended with the apparent death of its hero. This was half-resolved when a prequel TV show and film spinoff were being developed to expand the world controlled by the High Table. The Continental and Ballerina attempt to build on top of the established lore, but many are still rooting for Keanu Reeves to return. In a Collider interview, franchise creator Chad Stahelski finally confirmed John Wick will not come back, sort of. This may seem bittersweet but it makes perfect sense since the titular character was mortally wounded at the end of John Wick: Chapter 4.

John Wick 4 Producer Says Keanu Reeves Wanted...

Chad Stahelski assures the fans that a John Wick television show is still in development. The importance of Keanu Reeves' character to the John Wick franchise can be compared to Luke Skywalker's significance to Star Wars. While the Ballerina spin-off and the John Wick series may succeed, they are unlikely to fare as well without the contributions of Keanu Reeves.

The Baba Yaga is dead, but that hasn’t slowed down the John Wick franchise. Peacock’s three-episode event The Continental offered the fans a prequel, which followed the exploits of a young Winston Scott (Colin Woodell). And in 2024, the Ana de Armas-led feature film spin-off The Ballerina will further the action-packed universe. However, the brains behind the four existing movies, Chad Stahelski, insists a John Wick television series is still in the works. Stahelski said in an exclusive interview with Collider:

"Again, if something clicked with me,...