While the franchise’s future remains in flux, one John Wick star doesn’t expect to be returning any time soon. Having once dominated the action genre and inspired a slew of тιтles like it, the Keanu Reeves-led franchise is currently exploring new avenues in the form of the Ana de Armas-led spinoff Ballerina, a second spinoff TV show subтιтled Under the High Table and the Donnie Yen-directed-and-starring Caine spinoff movie. There have also been conflicting comments about a possible John Wick 5, though Reeves and franchise director Chad Stahelski have been careful not to confirm their returns for it.
Amid these various projects’ developments, though, John Leguizamo has told Collider that he likely won’t be back for the John Wick franchise in the near future. The star, who recalled the majority of his role being cut from the second film in the series, admitted to not being “the happiest camper” after this was done, and that while there were ideas for how to expand the character, he “wouldn’t hold my breath” about Aurelio returning. See what Leguizamo said below:
Yeah…Well… I mean, I was cut out of 2, so I was not the happiest camper. I had a whole backstory and everything, but I don’t want to get into all that. I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one.
What Leguizamo’s Comments Mean For His John Wick Future
They’ll Likely Need An Offer He Can’t Refuse
Leguizamo’s mention of being largely cut from John Wick: Chapter 2 is the first indication that his role was ever minimized in the past. While he does appear in a deleted scene of the 2017 sequel, it was never previously made clear that there were any bigger plans for him in the film beyond being tasked by Reeves’ тιтular hero to repair his recovered vehicle. As such, if the film was originally set to explore more of Aurelio’s backstory, it’s understandable that he would be frustrated by said material being left on the cutting room floor without a clear explanation as to why.
That being said, as upset as he clearly still is about this, there is plenty of room for Leguizamo to return to the John Wick franchise, particularly if there’s already backstory material in place. Stahelski has also previously expressed his desire for future spinoffs to explore a wide variety of supporting characters from the films, having even told ScreenRant in late 2023 that Leguizamo’s Aurelio was one who he hoped to expand upon in the future. Check out what Stahaelski shared below:
There’s these cool little worlds that haven’t been poked or prodded enough, I think. Now to do their own thing, I don’t know, but I’d like to bring them back in other storylines, and I think that’s why we’re so interested and so game to do a TV show, is to bring all these people in and about the world.
Though there may be that foundation in place, it still ultimately comes down to what the team want to do in the future, and what they offer Leguizamo. His frustration may lead to his desire for a bigger part to play in a future John Wick spinoff, which could inspire the creatives to properly develop a solo project for him, or keep Aurelio on the sidelines while they focus on others whose futures seem a little more clear.
Our Take On Aurelio’s John Wick Future
Leguizamo Deserves A Good Return
I certainly respect Leguizamo’s frustration with Aurelio’s role in the John Wick franchise, especially if Chapter 2 did indeed cut out some of his backstory. However, the respect he and Reeves’ characters had for each other really leaves me wanting more of not only that dynamic, but also who else Aurelio has meaningful relationships in the criminal underworld. If Stahelski and co. find a way to bring Leguizamo back into the fold, be it a solo project or a role in a different John Wick spinoff, I hope it’s one that recaptures what the star clearly connected to in the first place.
Source: Collider
John Wick
“John Wick” is a neo-noir action-thriller franchise centered around a retired hitman who returns to the criminal underworld to seek vengeance. Known for its intense and stylistic action sequences, the franchise has redefined modern action cinema with its choreographed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate world-building. The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and survival in a secret society of ᴀssᴀssins.
- Created by
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Derek Kolstad
- First Film
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John Wick
- Latest Film
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John Wick: Chapter 4
- Upcoming Films
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Ballerina
- First TV Show
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The Continental
- Latest TV Show
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The Continental
- First Episode Air Date
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September 22, 2023
- Cast
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Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Willem Dafoe, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Laurence Fishburne, Anjelica Huston, Bill Skarsgard, Mel Gibson, Donnie Yen
- TV Show(s)
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The Continental
- Character(s)
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John Wick, Winston, Charon, The Bowery King, Sofia Al-Azwar, Caine, Marquis Vincent de Gramont, Ares
- Video Game(s)
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John Wick Hex
Summary
“John Wick” is a neo-noir action-thriller franchise centered around a retired hitman who returns to the criminal underworld to seek vengeance. Known for its intense and stylistic action sequences, the franchise has redefined modern action cinema with its choreographed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate world-building. The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and survival in a secret society of ᴀssᴀssins.
