I’m excited for John Wick 5, but I’m worried that it won’t be able to provide a better ending than the fourth film. I was shocked when Keanu Reeves’ iconic character seemingly died at the end of John Wick: Chapter 4. Since the fourth movie was never announced as the last film in the franchise, I was not expecting anything that bad to happen to John Wick. This is precisely why the ending of John Wick: Chapter 4 was so effective. However, it has since been confirmed that a fifth film is in development.

Not long after the fourth movie’s release, the upcoming John Wick 5 was announced. Even though Lionsgate claimed that it was developing a fifth movie, I never fully believed it since both Reeves and franchise director Chad Stahelski expressed doubts. For a long time, it seemed like the fourth film would be the last John Wick movie, but that all changed in April. At CinemaCon 2025, it was once again confirmed that John Wick 5 is in development. This is obviously exciting, but I’m worried that John Wick 5 won’t be able to top the ending of the fourth movie.

I Thought John Wick 4 Was The Best Way To End John Wick’s Story

The Ending Of John Wick: Chapter 4 Was So Satisfying

John Wick’s decision to come out of retirement and seek revenge against the Tarasovs in the first film had major repercussions. Before the events of the first movie, John Wick left the world of ᴀssᴀssins behind and was able to live a peaceful life, which is rare for people in his line of work. However, after the death of both his wife and his dog, John Wick comes out of retirement. This leads to the High Table being after Reeves’ character for most of the series.

In the fourth film, the High Table sends Caine, who is played by Donnie Yen, to put John Wick down for good. Even though Caine doesn’t necessarily want to kill John, the High Table threatens to harm his daughter if he doesn’t listen to them. This leads to their duel at the end of the fourth film. Even though John Wick manages to kill the Marquis in the fourth movie, he also gets sH๏τ and seemingly succumbs to his wounds. Even though he dies, John clearly has a peaceful final few moments, which was a great ending for his character.

John Wick 5 Has To Explain How John Wick Is Still Alive After Chapter 4

There Are Hints That John Wick Survived Being SH๏τ

In the fourth movie, John Wick dies as the sun rises. After his emotional death, some of his closest allies, such as Winston and the Bowery King, visit his grave. During this scene, there are undoubtedly clues that John Wick is actually alive. Since the release of John Wick: Chapter 4, fans have been theorizing that he survived the gunsH๏τ wound and is actually in hiding. Since John Wick 5 is now officially confirmed, this seems to be the case.

However, if John Wick truly is alive, then the upcoming fifth movie will have to explain how he survived his wound and why he decided to go into hiding. After the incredible ending of the fourth movie, John Wick 5 risks criticism if it doesn’t provide a good reason for how John is still alive. Since John Wick’s story with the High Table has concluded, the fifth movie will start a new era for the series. However, hopefully Stahelski and Reeves have a good reason for bringing John Wick back from the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ.

John Wick 5 Needs A Great Reason To Explain John Wick Unretiring… Again

Why Would John Wick Want To Come Out Of Retirement Again?

As seen in the first movie, John Wick coming out of retirement was a big deal. ᴀssᴀssins all over the world heard about his return, which seemingly ensured that John would never be able to return to his peaceful life. While it is not clear how John Wick survived his gunsH๏τ wound at the end of the fourth movie, he has seemingly been able to once again go into retirement and find some peace. This is great, but means he will need to have a great reason to come out of retirement again in John Wick 5.

Stahelski has teased that the fifth movie will not deal with the High Table, which is an important piece of information. While it is hard to predict exactly what John Wick 5 will be about, perhaps it will tell a more personal story about the тιтular ᴀssᴀssin. For example, rather than fighting for his own safety, I think it would be amazing to see John Wick protect someone else in the fifth movie. Telling a Last of Us or Logan-style story in the John Wick franchise would be great, and also differentiate the fifth movie from the series’ other films.

John Wick 5 May Now Have To Top A Brilliant Ending For Keanu Reeves’ Character

Will John Wick 5 Be The Last Movie In The Series?

It’s possible that John Wick 5 will start a new era for the series. However, I think it’s much more likely that it will actually end up being the final movie in the series. After all, Reeves has stressed that he’s not confident his knees can handle another John Wick film. Reeves is undeniably one of the best action stars in the world, but he is now 60 years old. Clearly, Revees decided he still has enough in him to make John Wick 5, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he officially decides to retire the character after its release.

If this is the case, then John Wick 5’s ending will undoubtedly be compared to the conclusion of the fourth film. John Wick 5’s ending can’t just repeat the emotional beats that were touched on at the end of the fourth movie, so Stahelski and his creative team will have the difficult job of providing yet another satisfying conclusion for the series. Since the ending of John Wick: Chapter 4 was so effective, I think it will be very hard for the fifth movie to top it, which could end up tarnishing the legacy of the acclaimed action series.

I’m Not Sure If John Wick 5 Can Justify Continuing The Franchise This Way

John Wick 5 Is Definitely A Big Risk

While I can definitely think of intriguing story possibilities for John Wick 5, I’m not confident that any of them are good enough to justify continuing the series. While I trust Reeves and Stahelski to deliver a thrilling action movie, I’m worried that John Wick 5 has no chance of being as good as the fourth movie. After all, John Wick: Chapter 4 is arguably one of the best action movies of all time. Therefore, part of me thinks John Wick 5 being as good as the fourth movie is impossible.