New John Wick Update Hints At Samurai Western Spinoff In The Works

The John Wick universe may have only released its first spin-off movie earlier this year, but a new update hints at an interesting new direction for the action franchise. Beginning with the 2014 original John Wick movie, starring Keanu Reeves as the тιтular hitman, the IP has since grown into a billion-dollar franchise spanning both film and television.

In addition to three direct sequels and plans already in place for John Wick 5, the series’ intriguing criminal underworld has also been expanded courtesy of the 2023 prequel show The Continental: From the World of John Wick and this year’s Ballerina starring Ana de Armas.

In a recent Variety article detailing Hollywood’s current up-and-coming screenwriters, it was revealed that Austin Everett, who is currently poised to make his directorial debut, has also penned a script set in the John Wick universe that is described as a samurai Western. Everett, however, remained тιԍнт-lipped on details, suggesting “that’s probably as much as I can say.”

What This Revelation Means For The Growing John Wick Franchise


Keanu Reeves as John Wick looking sympathetic in Ballerina
Keanu Reeves as John Wick looking sympathetic in Ballerina

Despite the overwhelming popularity of the main John Wick movies, attempts to expand upon the world have not always been as well-received. With The Continental generating mixed reviews and Ballerina failing to replicate the levels of box office success enjoyed by the Reeves-led films, the franchise is yet to prove the viability of its plans for further expansion.

While it is unclear whether Everett’s script will eventually be greenlit and join Ballerina and the other planned John Wick spinoffs, the reported premise marks an interesting approach to existing property. With the minor stumbles that the franchise has already experienced, perhaps a genre mashup could deliver a spinoff able to stand on par with the main entries.

Our Take On A John Wick Samurai Western


John Wick (Keanu Reeves) reloading a pistol next to a horse in John Wick: Chapter 4
John Wick reloading a pistol next to a horse in John Wick Chapter 4

As with any spinoff, the question that will ultimately draw existing John Wick fans into any new movie will be in learning how it connects back to the established universe. While Everett’s script could still be set in modern times, whilst simultaneously tapping into the traditions of samurai-inspired Westerns, the description does conjure thoughts of a much earlier prequel.

Though if Everett is planning on taking audiences back to a 19th-century frontier tale, it will naturally eliminate any potential cameo appearances from Reeves or any other established John Wick characters. It could, however, still delve deeply into the world of the mysterious High Table and the intricate rules that dictate the franchise’s criminal underworld.


John Wick Franchise Poster

Created by

Derek Kolstad

First Film

John Wick

Latest Film

John Wick: Chapter 4

Upcoming Films

Ballerina

First TV Show

The Continental

Latest TV Show

The Continental

“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.


First Episode Air Date

September 22, 2023

Cast

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)

The Continental

Video Game(s)

John Wick Hex

Related Posts

Melissa Barrera Sets Next Horror Movie Return With Unconventional Creature Feature

Melissa Barrera Sets Next Horror Movie Return With Unconventional Creature Feature

Modern scream queen Melissa Barrera has secured her next horror role, which should intrigue die-hard fans of the genre. The Scream, Abigail, and In the Heights star…

Warner Bros. Is Officially For Sale

Warner Bros. Is Officially For Sale

Following previous mergers and restructuring, Warner Bros. Discovery is up for sale. Reports about the mᴀssive Hollywood studio being acquired have been appearing over the last few…

Fast & Furious 11’s Problems “Solved” In New Vin Diesel Update

Fast & Furious 11’s Problems “Solved” In New Vin Diesel Update

After months of concerns that the planned final installment in the franchise would be axed altogether, Fast & Furious 11 looks to finally be on track. The…

Colleen Hoover’s New Movie Revealed In Reminders Of Him Trailer

Colleen Hoover’s New Movie Revealed In Reminders Of Him Trailer

The first trailer for Reminders of Him has been released. The film is an adaptation of the Colleen Hoover novel of the same name. The author’s books…

Avatar: Fire & Ash Could Be Huge For 2026’s Biggest Blockbusters

Avatar: Fire & Ash Could Be Huge For 2026’s Biggest Blockbusters

Avatar: Fire and Ash is positioned to end 2025 with a bang. James Cameron’s third entry in the Pandora-set, Na’vi-focused sci-fi franchise looks like it could be…

Overlooked Post-Apocalyptic Thriller That Made Only 6,595 Is No. 1 On Hulu

Overlooked Post-Apocalyptic Thriller That Made Only $776,595 Is No. 1 On Hulu

Hulu‘s top-streaming movie is a post-apocalyptic thriller that only made $776,595 at the box office. Even though Hulu is counting down the days until the app shuts…