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The John Wick: Chapter 4 director wants Keanu Reeves ‘definitively murdered off’
John Wick: Chapter 4 Was Supposed to be the Finale, but Keanu Reeves Wanted a Definite End for His Character
“John Wick: Chapter 4” seemed like it would be the final chapter for the legendary assassin. The film saw John Wick (played by Keanu Reeves) face his most formidable challenge yet, battling the High Table and ultimately finding himself at the top of the Sacre Coeur stairs in Paris, seemingly taking his last breath. According to franchise producer Basil Iwanyk, this was exactly how Reeves wanted it.
Reeves, known for his dedication to the physically demanding role, felt exhausted after filming each installment. Iwanyk revealed in a recent interview with Collider’s Christina Radish, that by the end of Chapter 4, Reeves had reached a breaking point, expressing his desire for John Wick to be “definitively” killed off. The actor’s commitment to the stunts and intense fight scenes required for the films had taken a toll on him both physically and emotionally.
The John Wick: Chapter 4 director wants Keanu Reeves ‘definitively murdered off’
“After the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th movie, making these films is so exhausting and destroys Keanu, physically and emotionally,” Iwanyk shared. It was this exhaustion that fueled Reeves’ request for a conclusive end to his character’s story arc, which would allow him to rest and step away from the punishing schedule that came with playing the iconic assassin.
However, while promoting “The Continental,” a spin-off series set in the John Wick universe, Iwanyk hinted that the filmmakers weren’t quite ready to close the door completely on John Wick. Despite the apparent finality of Wick’s fate at the end of Chapter 4, the creative team left a small, but noticeable, glimmer of hope that the character might still be alive. This choice was not only a nod to the fans’ attachment to Wick but also a way to keep the possibility of future stories alive.
The ending of “John Wick: Chapter 4” has sparked much speculation among fans, who noticed subtle hints that could suggest a different outcome. The question of whether John Wick truly met his end or if there is a slight chance of his survival remains unanswered, fueling ongoing debates and excitement around the franchise. For now, though, it appears that Reeves’ wish for his character to have a definitive end might coexist with the filmmakers’ reluctance to let the beloved assassin go entirely.
As audiences continue to clamor for more, it remains to be seen whether John Wick’s story will continue, or if the end of “Chapter 4” will truly mark the final chapter in the saga of one of cinema’s most relentless anti-heroes.
Keanu Reeves Wanted a Definitive End for John Wick, but Filmmakers Aren’t Ready to Let Go
When “John Wick: Chapter 4” hit theaters, it seemed like the final chapter for the iconic assassin. As the film concluded, John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, delivered one final showdown before collapsing on the steps of the Sacre Coeur in Paris. It was a dramatic end that left fans questioning whether Wick had truly met his demise. According to franchise producer Basil Iwanyk, this conclusion was exactly what Reeves wanted.
Reeves has repeatedly expressed how physically and emotionally draining the John Wick films have been. “Towards the end, he literally says, ‘I can’t do this again,’” Iwanyk explained. Reeves, worn out by the intense demands of the franchise, insisted, “I wanna be definitively dead at the end of this movie.” Yet, despite his request, the filmmakers left “a 10% little opening” for the possibility of Wick’s return. This decision reflects the filmmakers’ reluctance to completely close the door on a beloved character.
The hesitation to say goodbye to John Wick goes beyond the character’s popularity. It is also rooted in the strong bonds formed among the creative team over the years. Iwanyk remarked that the friendship between Reeves and director Chad Stahelski played a significant role in their reluctance to end the franchise. Comparing Reeves and Stahelski to The Beatles, Iwanyk expressed his hope that they could “get the band back together” for another film, provided they could come up with a compelling story that justified Wick’s return.
“We’ve all become such good friends and like each other so much,” Iwanyk shared, highlighting how the team’s camaraderie has grown through the years. “We’re all so tickled by the critical and commercial success of these movies that we all think, ‘Okay, how do we get the band back together in a way that merits a good story in the next evolution of John?’” While Reeves and Stahelski, like Paul McCartney and John Lennon, are the creative forces behind the character’s future, Iwanyk joked that he was like Ringo, waiting for the call to start working on the next chapter.
Despite Reeves’ desire for a conclusive end, there is a lingering sense that the John Wick story is not entirely over. As fans and filmmakers alike grapple with the uncertainty of the character’s fate, Reeves and Stahelski continue to discuss potential ideas for another film. Until then, the franchise remains in a state of suspense, with audiences eagerly waiting to see if their favorite assassin will make a comeback.
The door to the John Wick universe remains slightly ajar, leaving room for one more unexpected twist in the saga of the relentless assassin.
