LionsgateJohn Wick 5 has been announced, while an animated prequel has been confirmed, making now a good time to preview how the beloved action franchise is growing and expanding in the near future.
John Wick is the gift that keeps giving. The first movie was a surprise hit, with the tale of a brilliant assassin killing the villains who murdered his dog striking a chord with critics and audiences alike.
But the sequels are where the character really took off, transforming from a successful action franchise into a bona fide blockbuster phenomenon, with the first four John Wick movies grossing more than a $1 billion worldwide.
A TV spinoff followed – called The Continental: From the World of John Wick – but that wasn’t from the makers of John Wick, and quickly disappeared without a trace. However, the brain-trust behind the movies have a plan, one that kicks off this summer…
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
Release Date: June 6, 2025
LionsgateThe first proper John Wick spinoff focuses on star Ana de Armas as a deadly assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma, and out to avenge her father’s death.
Directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina is written by Shay Hatten, who previously penned the scripts for John Wick 3 and 4. While taking place between those two movies, there’s also a place for Wick himself in the upcoming flick.
The Ballerina trailer gave away how and why he becomes embroiled in proceedings, while Winston (Ian McShane), Charon (Lance Reddick), and the Director (Anjelica Huston) also return, making this a fresh story that will also feel like it’s very much a John Wick film.
John Wick: Chapter 5
Release Date: TBA
LionsgateKeanu Reeves will return in John Wick: Chapter 5, and director Chad Stahelski is also back, alongside producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee.
The announcement was made at CinemaCon, where there were no details regarding plot and additional cast, or indeed concerning exactly how the title character will return. Though we have some thoughts about that.
Lionsgate chair Adam Fogelson said: “Keanu, Chad, Basil, and Erica would not return unless they had something truly phenomenal and fresh to say with these characters and this world. We can’t wait for audiences to see where the journey takes us next.”
The producers added: “It’s so important to get this story right and give John’s story the proper next step. It’s exciting to take the first step on that road.”
Caine spinoff
Release Date: TBA
LionsgateMartial arts legend Donnie Yen was introduced as blind assassin Caine in John Wick: Chapter 4, and immediately became a fan-favorite, so it’s no surprise that the character is getting his own spinoff.
Yen will direct and executive produce the as-yet-untitled film, from a script by Mattson Tomlin, who worked on The Batman and its forthcoming sequel.
We also know Rina Sawayama is set to return, after similarly having debuted in Chapter 4 as Akira, daughter of Shimazu Koji.
“Caine and Akira have unfinished business, and this next chapter in their stories will be explosive,” said Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
The movie is set to shoot in Hong Kong later this year, and producer Chad Stahelski said at CinemaCon: “One of my favorite characters in the John Wick world is Caine. To have the chance to dive into his world and discover all his adventures excites us all. And who better to helm it than Donnie Yen himself. His understanding of the culture, the world, and, of course, the action, make him the perfect director for this project.”
Yen himself added: “The John Wick films have set an immensely high standard for action filmmaking and I greatly appreciate Lionsgate giving me the opportunity to further elevate the franchise. I am both thrilled and deeply inspired to make this happen.”
Animated John Wick prequel
Release Date: TBA
LionsgateA John Wick anime has long-been discussed, but now we have concrete details, with the film playing out before the events of the first film, and focussing on the ‘Impossible Task’ that John undertook to be with the love of his life.
Keanu Reeves will voice the character, while Shannon Tindle (Ultraman: Rising) is directing from a script by Vanessa Taylor (The Shape of Water).
Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson said of the project at CinemaCon: “In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless. And there is no John Wick story fans are clamoring for more than the ‘Impossible Task.’ Shannon’s take on that story is an incredible one, and we are beyond excited to see what John Wick can do in animation.”
Chad Stahelski added: “I’ve always been fascinated with anime. It has always been a huge influence on me, especially with the John Wick series. I feel John Wick is the perfect property for this medium – anime holds the potential to expand our world, our characters, and our action in ways unimaginable before.”
Those are the official sequels and spinoffs, while potential projects include movies revolving around Halle Berry’s Sofia and Laurence Fishburne’s Bowery King, and a TV show titled ‘Under the High Table.’ While less likely – but still rumored – are Atomic Blonde and Nobody crossover flicks.
We’ll update this article as-and-when those plans become reality, or new spinoffs are announced. In the meantime, here’s Dexerto’s ranking of the John Wick movies, and our list of the best action movies ever.
