John Wick: Chapter 4 is finally out but it's no secret that the wait for the sequel has been a long one. After all, filming was already completed in 2021 and the movie was only delayed due to COVID-19. But why didn't the cast and crew immediately begin working on John Wick 5 in the past two years? Director Chad Stahelski revealed why he decided against shooting two sequels back-to-back.
Chad Stahelski recently spoke to Screenrant where he revealed that Lionsgate had suggested that John Wick 4 and 5 could be filmed back-to-back. However, the filmmaker declined and provided a simple reason.
"I think the greatest part is that, after each John Wick, I took two years off to go live and get better; to travel, to read more, and to get better," Stahelski said.
"I don't know how to do a movie back-to-back and get better for the second one," he continued. "You'd see John Wick 4 and then John Wick 4B, right? Same camera, same colors, same action, same style of choreography, same storylines."
"I had no time to be influenced by life and bring life back in, so I just thought it was kind of a cheat," Stahelski concluded.
It certainly makes sense considering that each John Wick film had its own distinct look and feel while still continuing the assassin's storyline.
But when can we expect John Wick 5? Chad Stahelski pointed out that he and Keanu Reeves are intent on taking a break from the franchise, at least for now.
"We’re proud of what we’ve done, flattered people want to see more, and we want to continue that and will be there to help out. What Lionsgate decides to do with the properties is up to them," he said.
John Wick 5 has not yet been officially announced. In the meantime, John Wick: Chapter 4 is currently screening in theaters worldwide.
Related: John Wick: Chapter 4 Alternate Ending Revealed by Chad Stahelski
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