Despite the protagonist seemingly being killed off in the previous movie, John Wick 5 is in the works, and while I love one bizarre theory about what the story could be about, it does have a glaring flaw. After John Wick: Chapter 4, there was plenty of contrasting news about whether Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski would be back for another film, but John Wick 5 has been officially confirmed, creating all sorts of possibilities about what could be next for the Baba Yaga. Naturally, the most popular and likely theory is that John faked his death in Chapter 4.

Considering how many near-death experiences he has overcome over the years, it’s not out of the question that the ᴀssᴀssin would have survived his Paris showdown. He has more than enough contacts that could help him disappear and convince the rest of the world he’s ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, with Chapter 5 forcing him to come out of retirement for one reason or another. However, a completely different concept sounds even more appealing to me, and this wild idea would justify Keanu Reeves returning for a new John Wick movie while providing one of the most unique cinematic experiences in the franchise’s history.

John Wick 5 Taking Place In Hell Is A Strangely Compelling Theory

It Would Add A Fresh Dynamic To The Franchise Without Tarnishing John’s Supposed Death

Despite how ridiculous it may sound, one ambitious theory indicates that John Wick 5 could take place in hell, which would be surprisingly fitting. While it would be a very strange shift to have the action take place in hell, the religious symbolism throughout the franchise, alongside the fact John has taken many lives, means there is at least some logic to the proposal. Moreover, John Wick undoubtedly has some thrilling combat sequences and high-stakes moments, but the series is built on its over-the-top nature, not its realism, suggesting the hell setting wouldn’t feel too out of place.

The franchise has previously featured John and Cᴀssian having a shootout in a crowded subway station without anyone noticing, and the protagonist has popped straight up after being hit by speeding vehicles, proving it isn’t afraid to get a little far-fetched. As a result, John Wick has become more about the spectacle and its compelling action, rather than its accuracy. With that in mind, watching John continue to fight even in the afterlife would offer a completely fresh direction for the franchise without hurting or retconning Chapter 4‘s ending.

It would also allow him to confront familiar foes that he has already killed and face his toughest challenge yet, with the potential promise of finally getting some peace being used to motivate him, if he can defeat them all once again.

If John Wick 5 Actually Takes Place In Hell, How Could There Be A John Wick 6?

The John Wick Franchise Looks Like It Has Plenty Of Life Left In It, But The Hell Premise Limits Its Future

As much as I love the concept of John Wick 5 taking place in hell, it wouldn’t leave much room for another chapter. Considering the franchise is continuing to branch out with new projects such as animated prequels and movie spinoffs, there is no end in sight for the action series. Of course, projects like Ballerina and Caine’s solo film are proof that the creators are trying to move on from the Baba Yaga, but the importance of Reeves’ John Wick to the franchise cannot be understated, and it seems highly probable that a sixth movie could be considered.

Therefore, if John is actually ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, the hell setting would only work as a one-off since it would be near impossible to bring him back for Chapter 6. There is always the chance that, by overcoming his obstacles in hell, he could be given another sH๏τ at life, but that idea runs the risk of becoming too unrealistic. This means a story set in hell would be best saved for the final installment of John Wick, and considering a fifth movie has been greenlit despite Chapter 4‘s perfect ending, it’s hard to see the protagonist’s story concluding in Chapter 5.