John Wick: Chapter 5 Officially Confirmed, But Story Remains a “Conundrum”
LONDON, 16 January 2026 – The High Table may have declared him dead, but John Wick’s story is not over. Lionsgate officially confirmed the development of *John Wick: Chapter 5* at CinemaCon in April 2025, bringing Keanu Reeves’s iconic assassin back for another round. However, director Chad Stahelski admits that resurrecting the Baba Yaga after the definitive ending of *Chapter 4* presents a unique creative puzzle that the team is still working to solve.
The Official Announcement & Development Status
The fifth mainline instalment in the record-breaking action franchise is in active development, with Stahelski and *Chapter 4* writer Mike Finch crafting the story. In a June 2025 interview, Stahelski characterised the process as a “bit of a conundrum,” noting they have “a pretty good story” but are waiting to solidify a 50-page treatment before formally presenting it to Keanu Reeves. The studio is eager to will the project into existence, but Stahelski has emphasised a commitment to quality, stating he will only proceed when they “strike gold.” No filming dates or release window have been set, with industry speculation pointing to a potential 2027 or 2028 release given Stahelski’s other commitments.
The Narrative Challenge: Returning from the Grave
The primary creative hurdle for *Chapter 5* is the conclusion of *John Wick: Chapter 4*, which saw Wick apparently succumb to his injuries after a duel with Caine (Donnie Yen) and be buried beside his wife. Stahelski has previously noted the intentional ambiguity of that ending, revealing an alternate version was filmed showing Wick survived. The most likely path for the sequel is to reveal that Winston (Ian McShane) helped Wick fake his death, finally freeing him from the High Table’s grasp. This would allow the franchise to explore new threats beyond the established criminal council.
Key Facts: The John Wick Franchise at a Glance
| Film | Release Year | Worldwide Box Office | Critical Reception (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Wick | 2014 | $86.1 million | 86% |
| John Wick: Chapter 2 | 2017 | $171.5 million | 89% |
| John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum | 2019 | $326.7 million | 89% |
| John Wick: Chapter 4 | 2023 | $447.3 million | 94% |
| Ballerina (Spin-off) | 2025 | $131.8 million* | 75% |
*Box office figure as of latest data.
An Expanding Universe
The confirmation of *Chapter 5* comes as the “Wickverse” continues to grow. The Ana de Armas-led spin-off *Ballerina* was released on 6 June 2025, set between the events of *Chapters 3* and *4*, and featured a cameo from Reeves. Furthermore, a spin-off film centred on Donnie Yen’s character Caine was announced, with Yen set to direct. An animated prequel film exploring John Wick’s “Impossible Task” is also in development. This expansion proves the franchise’s viability beyond its titular hero, even as his own saga prepares to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keanu Reeves definitely returning for John Wick 5?
Yes. Lionsgate has confirmed Keanu Reeves will reprise his role as John Wick. Director Chad Stahelski has stated that Reeves, along with key producers, would not return unless they had “something truly phenomenal and fresh to say.”
When will John Wick: Chapter 5 be released?
There is no official release date. The film is in the early story development phase. Given the director’s schedule and the complexity of the project, a release before 2027 is considered unlikely.
How can John Wick come back after dying in Chapter 4?
The ending of *Chapter 4* was deliberately ambiguous. The film never explicitly showed Wick’s death, and director Chad Stahelski has suggested a storyline where his death was faked to escape the High Table, a theory supported by an alternate ending that was filmed.
Will other characters from previous films return?
While not officially confirmed, it is highly likely that Ian McShane will return as Winston and Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King. The return of other characters like Caine or Ana de Armas’s Eve Macarro from *Ballerina* remains speculative but possible.