The fifth movie in the John Wick action franchise will not begin production in 2025 as previously thought. Series director Chad Stahelski is focusing on the “Highlander” reboot starring Henry Cavill, which starts filming next year in Scotland.
Sources close to the “John Wick” films told reporters this week that rumors of an early 2025 production start for “John Wick: Chapter 5” were incorrect. Stahelski is dedicated to completing the “Highlander” project first before moving on to another John Wick film.
While some fans may be disappointed by the delay, the franchise is still moving forward in other ways. Lionsgate, the movie studio behind John Wick, still wants to make more films according to people familiar with the situation. The fourth movie, released in 2023, ended with John Wick wounded but his ultimate fate was unclear.
Insiders note that Chapter 5 would need to address the cliffhanger ending of the previous film creatively. However, one person said the series has gotten more fanciful over time so resolving the ending may not be vital. Still, Stahelski’s prudent approach to the franchise comes as no surprise since he has directed all four installments so far.
To keep the John Wick world expanding, the “Ballerina” spin-off starts next summer. Starring Ana de Armas, it takes place between the third and fourth films and will see returns by Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick. A television series is also in development to continue the story after Chapter 4 and will be one of Stahelski’s next projects after “Highlander.”
Lionsgate has put Stahelski in charge of overseeing both the John Wick and Highlander properties, reflecting his proven success with the studio. While John Wick’s fate at the end of Chapter 4 leaves it open-ended, the character’s financial draw for both fans and the studio could lead to his comeback one day according fans and executives. Overall, while fans face a longer wait, insiders say Stahelski will make sure the eventual Chapter 5 delivers.
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