With John Wick 5 looking destined to happen, it’ll have a tough job retconning chapter 4’s perfect ending, but one theory seems to explain what happens to the protagonist during the franchise’s conclusion. Despite appearing to be killed off, John Wick could still be alive after chapter 4’s final sequence, with a few clues pointing toward the Baba Yaga’s return. Alongside some of the open-ended dialog from his allies and scrapped scenes, the heavy conversation around a fifth movie all but confirms John Wick will be back in some capacity, and his definitive ending may have already been uncovered.

With how successful John Wick 4‘s box office was, it’s no surprise the creators would want to move forward with another installment, but alongside the franchise’s financial appeal, there may genuinely still be more story to tell. The previous outing certainly felt like a fitting ending for the main character, but given how much he’s survived, it does seem unlikely the final confrontation would have been enough to kill him. Therefore, a final chapter could give him an even more fitting conclusion to his journey, and it could completely revolutionize the series in the process.

John Wick Will Become The Head Of The High Table In The Next Movie – Theory Explained

The Protagonist May Take Over The Council He Desperately Tried To Escape From

Bringing John Wick back just to die again would be completely pointless, but one theory points towards him taking over the High Table instead, providing a much more concrete conclusion to his story. Having the fifth chapter be all about his pursuit of power would bring more honor and a moral code to the criminal underworld, while giving him the retirement he’s so desperately sought, albeit in unconventional circumstances. It would also leave the door open to Reeves returning for future projects despite not being the lead character, helping the franchise move on without completely forgetting its protagonist.

ᴀssuming John does reappear for a fifth movie, it would mean he potentially faked his death, and while this could have given him some time to enjoy a more peaceful life, it seems unlikely to last forever. His quest to take control of the High Table would presumably be one of necessity, not desire, as it would be his only true way to avoid constant warfare, even if he would still be tied to the ᴀssᴀssination industry. Selflessly leading the council and changing how it operates would allow others a more secure way out, preventing them from repeating history.

In addition, a John Wick spinoff focusing on the High Table is also in development, which leans even further into this theory coming true. Details are limited on John Wick: Under the High Table‘s story, but it will likely explore exactly how the group operates and what sort of personalities are involved. Therefore, a fifth movie could include several characters from the TV show and conclude with the Baba Yaga finally taking over as the faction’s leader, setting up a brand-new direction for the franchise.

John Wick Leading The High Table Would Be A Bittersweet Ending For Keanu Reeves’ Character

Chapter 4’s Ending Felt Like The Perfect Farewell, But Taking Over The High Table Does Have Its Positives

John Wick taking over as the leader of the High Table does feel like a fitting conclusion in many ways, but it’s still bittersweet. As great as it would be to see Reeves’ character finally take control of his own agency and prevent future ᴀssᴀssins from being essentially trapped in the same way he was, it still means he won’t be completely free from the criminal underworld. He might have more freedom, but there would still be a major target on his back, and he couldn’t simply retire like he wanted to all the way back in the first movie.

Death may not seem like a particularly uplifting ending, but given everything John has been through, he seemed to finally be at peace in chapter 4’s ending, which would be taken away if he returned to lead the High Table. Ironically, John Wick has almost died so many times throughout the series yet always survived, and if he did so once again, it would prove he’s destined to live the life of an ᴀssᴀssin forever. Keeping his peers in check and establishing peace sounds like an honorable end to his journey, but it’s clearly not what he wants deep down.

John Wick’s Death Should Only Be Retconned If They Give Him An Even Better Ending

Undoing John Wick: Chapter 4’s Ending Would Be A Huge Gamble

Although there has never been any official confirmation that the protagonist died at the end of John Wick: Chapter 4, it was heavily implied, meaning it would be a major risk to bring him back. Therefore, his return should only happen if the franchise has an even better ending in mind than the previous film. Whether that would be John taking over the High Table or not is all about how it’s executed, but bringing him back just to kill him off again feels out of the question. As a result, chapter 5 would have to finish flawlessly.

Most viewers seemed to be pleased with the fourth movie’s conclusion, and to match that without ruining the legacy of chapter 4 is a tough ask. The bittersweet nature of John taking over the High Table means more people might be left somewhat frustrated, or at least unsatisfied, compared to John Wick 4. Having the Baba Yaga play more of a mentor role in John Wick 5 is another possible ending given his involvement in Ballerina, but that would also indicate he would be sharing the spotlight with another character, and simply phasing him out could also be divisive.

While it’s understandable why John Wick 5 is so enticing, it still has a mᴀssive obstacle when it comes to doing chapter 4’s ending justice, posing the question if a fifth movie is really worth it. Considering it looks like another installment is going ahead, only time will tell if the protagonist gets a more fitting send-off, but the plan remains a mᴀssive risk.

If John Wick 5 Does Happen, Will It Be The End Of The Franchise?

The Current Spinoff Direction Suggests The Franchise Could Still Continue Even If The Main Story Ends

ᴀssuming John Wick 5 does go ahead, it could be the last main film, but it’s unlikely to end the franchise permanently. If the protagonist returns for one last movie and takes over as the leader of the High Table, it would pretty much close his story, and while it always leaves the door open for a sixth film in the future, it seems like it would be a pretty definitive ending. However, the current direction of the series means there is still plenty of life in the action franchise as a whole, with more projects on the way.

Ballerina‘s impending release alongside talks of a Caine and Akira spinoff indicates there is still cinematic potential regarding John Wick‘s future. In addition, The Continental started the IP’s transition into the TV industry, which the High Table spinoff looks set to continue. While John himself is a key element to the franchise’s success, there is clearly hope that it can move on without relying on Keanu Reeves to be its big box office draw. As a result, the protagonist’s journey may come to a close with John Wick 5, but the series will likely continue for years to come.