John Wick Final Chapter: Not many action movie characters are so prolific as the person of John Wick. Slipperly suits, the hand of undisclosed wrath, and unequaled gun-fu Keanu Reeves made an ordinary revenge story worth a billion bucks of franchise. Well, now that John Wick 5 is already in the works (and Keanu Reeves is expected to reprise his role as John even after his seemingly unsurviving death in Chapter 4), the question is inevitable, whether this has to be the last time we see Keanu Reeves as John Wick.
The answer is yes. Not because fans don’t want more, but because it’s time for both the character and the actor to move on.
The Rise and Reign of John Wick 5
Nobody could have thought that John Wick, which premiered in 2014, would be so successful. The story of a sad man getting revenge on a dog over some personal slight became a loose cinematic universe that existed next to a world of assassins, rules of honor, and super-violence very quickly.
Each sequel pushed the envelope:
- Chapter 2 expanded the lore with the introduction of the High Table.
- Chapter 3 – Parabellum turned the world against Wick.
- Chapter 4 gave us a poetic and brutal farewell… or so we thought.
John Wick was an over-the-top action flick, but what kept it balanced and down-to-earth was the performance of Keanu Reeves who would speak little and act even less. All that agony, all that domination, that feeling of honor, did nothing but make Wick more than an action hero. He was mortal. However even the best require rest.
Why Chapter 4 Felt Like the End
Honestly speaking, John Wick: Chapter 4 was almost a flawless sendoff. Having lived his bitter life full of suffering, betrayal, and only violence, John can find his peace in the best way he knows it: with sacrifice.
The last shots depicted that a man was about to die in his own way. It was forcefull. It was literary. and it had to be.
To resurrect him here to Chapter 5 would be a risk of spoiling it all. His death made everything that preceded it substantial. Reversing it would make his journey cheap and not worth the emotional rewards of those watching.
Keanu Reeves: The Franchise King
Reeves isn’t new to iconic franchises. He’s returned to:
- The Matrix as Neo
- Bill & Ted as the lovable slacker
- John Wick multiple times now
However, an actor will have to give up at some stage no matter how faithful she/he is. The ending of these characters has been satisfying. Having to come back episode after episode, it begins to feel like a fan service rather than a narrative.
And even though it is honorable that Reeves has never failed to express his love to his jobs and audiences, crossing back and forth the same castles over and over again which he does, might be restrictive when it comes to him getting a chance to expand through more challenging jobs.
The Physical Toll
We should not pass over the physical requirements of John Wick. Keanu Reeves, who is now in his 50s does his stunts himself. He has practiced martial arts, gun, and tactical evasion a lot.
The role is wearisome. During interviews, Reeves has confessed that Chapter 4 was among the most difficult shootings in his career. There is no other best time to retire gracefully than now.
The Franchise Can Survive Without Him
Lionsgate clearly isn’t done with the John Wick universe. Spin-offs are already in motion:
- Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, is set in the Wick universe.
- The Continental, a series focused on the assassin hotel, explores the larger world.
There there is even rumor of a spin-off with Donnie Yen as Caine one of the standout characters in Chapter 4. These are natural means of expanding the universe but not one which compels Reeves to put it on his back.
Wick’s story can end, while the world he inhabited continues.
Better Roles Await Reeves
Keanu Reeves does not require John Wick anymore. He has demonstrated himself as a talent displaying abilities in various genres including romantic dramas to sci-fi in film The Lake House and The Day the Earth Stood Still. And he now makes comic books, too, having produced his own graphic novel, BRZRKR, adapted to a Netflix series.
The sky is broad openly. Reeves does not have to deal with shootouts and swords only. Characters that play with him emotionally. Job positions that allow him to develop, not only to fight.
Let the Legend Rest
Who does not enjoy a terrific comeback? What we love better, is a great ending. Consider, Logan, the last performance of Hugh Jackman in the role of Wolverine, it was an unutterably gritty, cathartic story of a hero. The same happened in John Wick 4. A man who is suddenly released of his never-ending circle of violence.
Bringing him back from the dead risks turning that emotional ending into a gimmick.
Closing Thoughts
John Wick 5 is a reality and we will all be watching. Any previous dance shall count as one and it shall be the only one. It is not because Keanu Reeves is not able to continue, he is able. Well, because he should not have to.
There are conclusions that should be left as they are. Why make John Wick a product, when he should be still a legend. It is time to allow Keanu Reeves to leave the past behind, leave the past behind, and leave all behind, and even to leave the era behind.
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Because the Baba Yaga has earned his rest. And so has the man who brought him to life.