Laurence Fishburne has addressed his potential return as the Bowery King in John Wick 5 following the sequel’s confirmation and Keanu Reeves’ comeback. John Wick 5 was confirmed at 2025’s CinemaCon, with Reeves returning as the тιтular character. Director Chad Stahelski also coming back for the movie, although no story details about the upcoming installment have been revealed. It’s one of four upcoming movies in the franchise, which includes the upcoming Ballerina spinoff, an unтιтled Caine movie, and an animated prequel depicting John’s “impossible task” that initially allowed him to retire.

Speaking with Collider about his upcoming thriller film The Amateur, Fishburne revealed he has not been asked to return as the Bowery King yet for John Wick 5. Saying he hasn’t “heard from Keanu and Chad about John Wick 5,” the actor is confident he’s going to get the call to return. This would be in line with the franchise’s continual use of the тιтle character’s close allies, especially given his appearance in every movie since John Wick: Chapter 2. Check out what Fishburne said in full below:

So, I haven’t heard from Keanu and Chad about John Wick 5, but I’m sure I will.

What Fishburne’s Statement Means For The Bowery King In John Wick 5

It Would Make Sense For Him To Come Back

The Bowery King was first introduced in John Wick: Chapter 2, part of an underground intelligence network that protects John after Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio) set a bounty on his head. He became a core ally to the protagonist in his one-man battle against the High Table, giving him a new suit and pistol that became integral to his escape. However, John Wick: Chapter 4 ended with the main character seemingly dying, the Bowery King conversing with Winston (Ian McShane) over his grave.

Since it’s likely John Wick 5 is going to take place after the previous movie, it indicates John is likely still alive after escaping the High Table. However, it’s not known if the Bowery King was aware of his true fate, something left up in the air based on the conversation had over his grave. If established characters in John Wick know he’s still alive, then the underground leader could be integral to how the upcoming story plays out. While his return remains unconfirmed, Fishburne seems confident he’ll have a part to play.

Our Take On Fishburne’s Potential Bowery King Return

John Wick 5 Wouldn’t Be The Same Without Him

Given how important a role the Bowery King has had in the franchise since his introduction, it’s unsurprising to hear Fishburne is confident of his potential return. John Wick 5 wouldn’t be the same without familiar allies around him, something that would add even more familiarity and importance to the next chapter in the ᴀssᴀssin’s franchise. Since it would be logical to ᴀssume he’ll be coming back, it might not be long until official confirmation does, in fact, arrive.

Source: Collider