Keanu Reeves' recent updates about the state ofJohn Wick 5seemed discouraging, but it also set up the perfect way for him to return. Ever since theending ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4, in which John seemingly died, fans have been wondering if Keanu Reeves will return to the titular role, or if the franchise will nominate a new character to take his place. Reeves is certainly a popular lead for the franchise -all theJohn Wickmovieshave grossed a combined $1 billion at the worldwide box office (viaBox Office Mojo). Reeves' return would almost certainly be lucrative, and now it may be possible.
In a newupdate aboutJohn Wick 5, Keanu Reevessaid that while his heart wants to reprise his role again, his knees can’t take the abuse of the stunt work. Reeves did turn 60 years old in 2024, so it’s no surprise that his age is catching up with him.John Wick’s stunts are also famously very involved and impressive even for trained stunt performers to pull off. It’s not surprising that Reeves isn’t young enough to play John anymore, but it is disappointing. Luckily, his comments have also opened up the perfect path for John to return without ruiningJohn Wick 4.
Keanu Reeves' John Wick Could Become A Mentor Figure In His Next Movie
Teaching A New Generation Of Assassins Would Let Reeves Do Fewer Stunts & Make His Resurrection Easier
If Keanu Reeves' knees can’t keep up withJohn Wick, the simplest way to have him return is to put him in a role where he doesn’t need to do wild stunts himself.If John returns as more of a mentor figure than an assassin, Reeves wouldn’t have to subject himself to physically demanding action scenes. Teaching a new protégé would require a bit of movement as John shows them combat techniques, but nothing remotely close to the stunts he’s had to do in the past. Playing a mentor would be as physically demanding as roles such as Laurence Fishburne’s Bowery King or Ian McShane’s Winston.
John Wick Full Timeline Explained: When Each Movie & Spinoff Takes Place
The John Wick films and spinoffs have been released over a span of ten years. The In-universe storyline has a surprisingly shorter timeline.
The best part of bringing John back in a strictly teaching role is that it would work with the ending ofJohn Wick 4. While the franchise would have to somehow revive John, it could do so without completely undoing his sacrifice. John could come back permanently injured.Thus, the sacrifice he made inJohn Wick 4and his way out from under the High Table would remain intact, andJohn Wick 5could even use his injuries as justification for making him a mentor to a younger assassin. In one fell swoop,John Wickcould open the door to Reeves' return and fully explain his mentor role.
Ballerina Already Sets Up John Wick As A Mentor To Younger Heroes
Ana de Armas' Eve Will Be Taught By John Wick In Ballerina
The idea of bringing Keanu Reeves back as a mentor figure is so enticing thatJohn Wickmay already be setting it up. The nextJohn Wickmovie,Ana de Armas’Ballerina, will see her character being taught by John prior to the events ofJohn Wick 4.Since John is already going to be depicted as a teacher inBallerina, it would be even easier forJohn Wick 5to bring him back as a permanent mentor. Once Eve establishes her own legend in the world of assassins, it will be extremely easy for her to point newcomers towards John to help train them.
Every Upcoming John Wick Movie Or Spinoff
John Wick & Nobody Crossover
Rumored
There are also plenty ofupcomingJohn Wickspinoffsthat would benefit from having Keanu Reeves' talents.Donnie Yen’s Caine spinoffcould easily use John in a supporting role, and the upcoming showJohn Wick: Under the High Tablewould be remiss if it didn’t at least mention the most famous assassin in the criminal underworld. There are also plenty of unconfirmed sequels thatJohn Wickcould include Reeves in. From films focusing on Mr. Nobody and Akira to the long-rumored Halle Berry Sofia spinoff,Keanu Reevescould well remain in theJohn Wickuniverse indefinitely.
