John Wick 5: A Different Path - What Should John Wick Do Next?

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Exploring a John Wick 5 Storyline

While the ending of John Wick: Chapter 4 felt conclusive, the enduring popularity of the franchise and the rich world it inhabits beg the question: what's next for John Wick? A direct sequel presents both exciting possibilities and considerable challenges.

Continuing the Saga: A John Wick 5 Plot

A John Wick 5 plot could offer several compelling avenues:

• Expanding the High Table's influence: The High Table is a vast, shadowy organization. A sequel could introduce new, even more powerful adversaries within its ranks, perhaps a figure even more ruthless than the Marquis. This would allow for a fresh set of conflicts and challenges for John Wick to overcome.
• Delving deeper into John's past: The audience has only glimpsed fragments of John's backstory. John Wick 5 could delve into his early training, revealing the origins of his skills and motivations, potentially introducing key figures from his past who could either aid or hinder him.
• Introducing a new protégé or rival: John has shown a capacity for both mentorship and fierce competition. A John Wick 5 storyline could introduce a new assassin—perhaps someone who idolizes or opposes him—creating a dynamic relationship that fuels the plot. This could be a significant character who could carry the franchise forward, adding another compelling layer to the narrative.
• Exploring the consequences of John's actions in Chapter 4: John's actions in the previous film had far-reaching consequences. A John Wick 5 could explore the lingering effects of these actions, showcasing new enemies rising from the ashes or unexpected alliances forming in the wake of the conflict. This could help to keep the narrative compelling and relevant to the overall franchise storyline.

The Limitations of a Direct Sequel: The Next John Wick Movie

However, continuing the saga directly also presents challenges:

• Risk of repeating the formula: The franchise's success relies on its unique blend of action and world-building. A direct sequel risks repeating the formula, leading to diminishing returns and audience fatigue. A John Wick 5 needs to find new ways to surprise audiences.
• Raising the stakes: John Wick: Chapter 4 already pushed the limits of the franchise's action. A John Wick 5 would need to find innovative ways to raise the stakes and provide a compelling narrative without feeling over-the-top or excessive.
• Audience fatigue: Even the most beloved franchises can suffer from audience fatigue. A poorly executed direct sequel could damage the legacy of the John Wick franchise irreparably. Careful planning and fresh ideas are essential.

The Allure of John Wick Spin-offs: Expanding the John Wick Universe

Instead of a direct sequel, spin-offs offer a way to expand the John Wick universe while mitigating the risks associated with another main installment.

Expanding the Universe: John Wick Spin-off Potential

Spin-offs could focus on various aspects of the world:

• Supporting characters: Characters like the Bowery King and Charon have intriguing backstories that could support their own series or films. Exploring their pasts and present lives could provide fresh perspectives on the world of assassins.
• Prequel stories: A prequel could delve into the history of the Continental Hotel, revealing its origins and the establishment of the assassin underworld. This could provide a richer understanding of the established lore and the overall franchise timeline.
• New assassins and organizations: The world of John Wick is vast. Spin-offs could introduce new assassins and organizations within the Continental Hotel network, expanding the scope of the franchise without directly involving John Wick. This allows for exploring different themes and aspects of the universe.

Avoiding Franchise Dilution: Successful Spin-offs

However, spin-offs also carry risks:

• Maintaining quality: Spin-offs must maintain the quality and unique style of the original films. Failing to capture the essence of John Wick could harm the brand's reputation.
• Avoiding dilution: Too many spin-offs could dilute the brand and confuse audiences. Careful planning and execution are crucial.

The Unexpected: John Wick's Retirement? A John Wick Peaceful Ending?

Perhaps the most unexpected, yet potentially satisfying, direction for the franchise is John Wick's retirement.

A Different Kind of Ending: John Wick Retirement

This could involve:

• John's desire for peace: After a lifetime of violence, John might seek redemption and a peaceful life.
• Escaping the assassin world: John could attempt to leave the assassin world behind, facing challenges and threats even in retirement. This could make for a compelling narrative of trying to escape the past.
• A limited series or film: This new chapter could be explored in a limited series or a standalone film, offering a different kind of story for audiences.

Maintaining Audience Engagement: John Wick's Future

Even a retirement storyline requires careful execution:

• Compelling narrative: A retirement story needs a compelling narrative, finding new ways to engage the audience without constant action.
• Emotional depth: Opportunities for emotional depth and character development could make this narrative unique and poignant.

Conclusion: The Future of John Wick

The future of John Wick is uncertain, but the possibilities are vast. Whether it's a direct John Wick 5, compelling spin-offs focusing on aspects of the John Wick universe, or even a surprising retirement storyline exploring John's desire for a peaceful life, the John Wick franchise has the potential to continue captivating audiences. The key is maintaining the quality, style, and heart that made the original films so successful. To ensure the continuation of the franchise's legacy, careful planning and a fresh perspective are crucial. What direction do you think John Wick should take next? Share your thoughts on the best path forward for the Baba Yaga in the comments below! Let's discuss the future of the John Wick franchise and what should happen in a potential John Wick 5.