The excitement surrounding John Wick 5 has been steadily mounting since Lionsgate officially confirmed its development at CinemaCon in April 2025. Keanu Reeves is confirmed to return in his role as the legendary assassin, with Chad Stahelski reprising his duties as director, alongside producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee . Amid hints of an ambiguous ending in Chapter 4, the creative team remains keen to craft a bold new chapter in the saga.

A defining shift in John Wick 5 is its move away from the High Table storyline. Stahelski has confirmed that this installment will embark on a fresh narrative path, distinct from the High Table arc, promising a surprising and innovative approach . This pivot marks a deliberate leap toward new dynamics, leaving behind the familiar underworld power struggles that dominated earlier films.

Although the full plot remains under wraps, hints suggest that John Wick 5 may build upon the groundwork laid by other entries in the franchise’s expanding universe. Specifically, the upcoming animated prequel and the series Under the High Table could set narrative threads that propel Wick’s journey forward . Such interconnectivity could enrich the storytelling experience and deepen the lore for longtime fans.

Casting remains mostly speculative. Reeves is expected to lead once again, and Donnie Yen—who played the blind assassin Caine in Chapter 4—is anticipated to have a larger presence . Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King may also return, suggesting continued alliances and unfolding story arcs . Meanwhile, other familiar faces from the John Wick universe remain possibilities, though official confirmations are still pending.

On the production timeline, earlier reports suggested that development could lead to a 2026 release, with pre-production slated to start in 2025 . However, more recent insights indicate that filming may actually begin later, possibly delaying the release to 2027, particularly due to Stahelski’s other commitments such as a Highlander project . This would extend the longest gap between installments in the franchise’s history.

Finally, Keanu Reeves has expressed concerns about the physical demands of returning to such an intense role, quipping that “his knees say he can’t,” though he remains open if the story proves compelling . This tension between physical constraints and creative passion adds a poignant layer to his participation and underscores the high expectations surrounding this next chapter.