Keanu Reeves’ iconic John Wick character may have died in Chapter 4, but his legacy lives on with a new spin-off, Ballerina, featuring Ana de Armas and more
Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Legacy Continues with Ballerina Spin-Off
A great era for the character appeared to come to an end last year when Keanu Reeves stepped out of his renowned assassin role in John Wick: Chapter 4. His adventure came to an end when we witnessed his death and even the appearance of his gravestone. However, despite the seeming finality, many fans hold onto the notion that the adored assassin may still be alive and refuse to accept that John Wick is actually dead. The John Wick universe keeps growing with fresh tales, regardless of whether he stays in the background or is brought back to life for a new chapter.
The highly anticipated spin-off, Ballerina, is the next entry in the franchise and is scheduled for release next year, while fans anxiously await word about John Wick 5. However, the main plot of the epic is not carried over into this movie. Rather, it functions as a prequel, taking place six months before to the events of Chapter 4 in John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum. The story follows dancer-turned-assassin Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, as she sets out on her own violent adventure.
Ian McShane reprises his role as the Continental’s manager, Winston Scott, in the dramatic first teaser. The late Lance Reddick, who unfortunately died last year at the age of 60, only months before John Wick: Chapter 4 was released, joins him. Fortunately, Reddick shot his sequences for Ballerina in 2022, so fans will be able to see his final performance in the spin-off. Charon, Reddick’s character, also met his demise in the fourth movie. Reddick also makes an appearance in a brand-new Ballerina featurette, which provides more insights into the world of John Wick and its growing universe.
In addition to de Armas, Ballerina has an impressive ensemble, which includes Norman Reedus as the enigmatic figure Daniel Pine and Anjelica Huston reprising her role as The Director from John Wick: Chapter 3. The movie promises to examine the intricacies of the underworld that John Wick has spent years living in, but from a new angle—one that is based on an assassin’s lethal dance.
Keanu Reeves’ Iconic Role as John Wick Shapes the Franchise’s Success
Unquestionably, John Wick has been a successful film series, enthralling viewers with its combination of nonstop action and a world-building story that weaves together complicated people, including those who work in the background. In the first movie, Keanu Reeves played the mysterious hitman John Wick, who had meticulously built a life apart from the mayhem of the criminal underworld. However, everything changed when he was pulled back into the perilous underbelly that would become his new existence after his beloved puppy was killed.
The fast-paced, action-packed scenes and high-stakes plot of the John Wick movies have made them more than just action movies; they have become a worldwide sensation. Based on actual events involving the Russian mafia and crime syndicates, the first film in the series presented a detailed and vivid portrayal of an assassin’s life. Experts like Joe Serio, a former CIA agent and Russian mafia investigator, have even praised the realistic portrayal of Russian hitmen, assassins, and the mafia underground. Serio rated the film’s realism at a seven out of ten, stating that while the number of dead in John Wick was undoubtedly higher than in real life, the portrayal of hitmen and assassinations was generally true.
Keanu Reeves is famous for his depiction of the silent yet deadly hitman, John Wick. The movie series, which started off as a straightforward tale of retaliation for the death of a dog, swiftly expanded into a vast universe full of assassins, complex underground politics, and intense violence. The film’s world-building and Reeves’ intensely devoted performance, which make the character’s journey emotionally captivating despite the nonstop action, are partially responsible for its popularity.
What’s Next for Keanu Reeves and John Wick? The Possibility of John Wick 5
The intricate world-building, well-choreographed battle scenes, and amazing stunts all contribute to the popularity of the John Wick franchise. Along with Keanu Reeves’ pivotal role, the movies also featured a number of endearing new characters, such as Halle Berry’s Sofia in John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum, Ian McShane’s Winston, and Lance Reddick’s Charon. Each of these characters contributed to the development of the John Wick universe, and their reappearance together with the addition of fresh characters like Eve Macarro from Ana de Armas will entice fans to return for more.
By following an assassin’s journey from the viewpoint of a newcomer—someone who is still learning what it means to be a member of this terrible world—Ballerina promises to go further into the shadows. Fans of the John Wick franchise, however, are optimistic that the assassin’s narrative is far from ended, even as Ballerina introduces new plotlines. Many people are anticipating the next chapter to discover if Keanu Reeves’ character is actually gone or if the John Wick universe will manage to bring him back. Speculation regarding John Wick 5 is still rife.
Whether or not John Wick himself appears, we can anticipate more action, more mystery, and undoubtedly more amazing battle scenes as the John Wick universe expands. However, Ballerina, where the dance of lethal assassins continues, will have to do for the time being to quench fans’ desire for Wick-based material.
Here’s a table summarizing key aspects of the John Wick franchise, including its main movies, spin-offs, characters, and important details.
| Category |  |
|---|---|
| Franchise Name | John Wick |
| Lead Actor | Keanu Reeves |
| Main Character | John Wick, a former hitman drawn back into the underworld after his dog is killed |
| Franchise Genre | Action, Thriller, Crime, Neo-noir |
| Director | Chad Stahelski |
| First Release | John Wick (2014) |
| Latest Film | John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) |
| Total Movies in Main Series | 4 (as of 2023) |
| Upcoming Projects | Ballerina (2025, spin-off), John Wick 5, Caine Spin-off |
| Spin-offs | Ballerina (2025), John Wick 5 (upcoming), Caine Spin-off (upcoming) |
| Key Characters | – John Wick (Keanu Reeves) |
| – Winston Scott (Ian McShane) | |
| – Charon (Lance Reddick) | |
| – Sofia (Halle Berry) | |
| – Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) (in Ballerina) | |
| Iconic Weapons | – Wick’s Custom Glock 34 |
| – Gold Coins (used for payment in the underworld) | |
| – Tactical Pistol and various blades | |
| Notable Assassins | – John Wick (The Boogeyman) |
| – Aurelio (John Leguizamo) | |
| Franchise Setting | – The Continental (a hotel for assassins) |
| – Ruska Roma (a powerful Russian mafia syndicate) | |
| – The Bowery (a network of homeless assassins) | |
| Real-Life Inspirations | – Depictions of Russian Mafia and underworld hitmen (e.g., Alexander Solonik) |
| Action Style | – Precision gunplay, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate fight choreography |
| Awards & Recognition | – Multiple accolades for action, stunts, and cinematography, cult following |
| Estimated Franchise Box Office | Over $1 billion worldwide (for the main series and spin-offs combined) |
