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
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
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
- Created by
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Derek Kolstad
- First Film
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John Wick
- Latest Film
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John Wick: Chapter 4
- Upcoming Films
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Ballerina
- First TV Show
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The Continental
- Latest TV Show
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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
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September 22, 2023
- Cast
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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)
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The Continental
- Video Game(s)
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John Wick Hex
