Despite the latest John Wick film hitting the big screen back in March, another instalment of the spy franchise is under development.
Though you’d think fans would be fighting for the assassin to return, the news has left the internet extremely divided.
Whilst it undoubtedly has put an end to fan speculation, the news is even more confusing given that the last film seemingly finished the franchise (major, major spoilers ahead).
For those of you who’ve yet to watch John Wick: Chapter 4 yet, we urge you not to scroll on.
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After battling his way through four films, the dog-loving hitman (played by Keanu Reeves) died during an incredible final fight.
In the last scene of the movie, fans even see his beloved pooch attend Wick’s funeral alongside Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) and Winston Scott (Ian McShane).
However, director Chad Stahelski admitted that he wasn’t always so sure about the brutal ending and that he even tested alternatives with audiences before releasing the film.
Though the assassin's fate seems sealed, it hasn’t stopped studio execs from announcing that a fifth installment of John Wick is in development.
Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake made the announcement during Lionsgate's Q4 earnings call and told attendees: “We're now moving across that [John Wick] franchise, not just in the AAA video game space, but looking at what the regular cadence of spin-offs, television really growing that universe so that there is a steady cadence of a franchise that there's clear appetite by the audience,"
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He continued: “What is official is that, as you know, Ballerina is the first spinoff that comes out next year. We're in development on three others, including [John Wick 5] and including television series, The Continental, will be airing soon.”
While the upcoming Ballerina spin-off has been welcomed by fans, this announcement hasn’t hit the target quite so well.
Fans have been reacting angrily online, with many taking to Twitter to vent their frustrations.
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One even wrote: “4 was such a vast improvement over 3 for me. This ending is perfect. The story is told. Leave it be.”
Others agreed as they reacted to the news, with another adding: “There is no need for John Wick 5. Sometimes you just have to learn to quit while you’re ahead.”
Not everyone has been disappointed by the news, with one fan even poking fun at other franchises for doing similar.
“Imma be so real. Idc if John Wick 5 is Keanu as a zombie still k-wording folks, I'll be in that theatre opening weekend,” they joked, “If Fast et All can get 10 movies and send Luda and Tyrese to space in a pinto, John can get a few more.”
Featured Image Credit: LionsgateTopics: TV and Film, Celebrity, Keanu Reeves, John Wick