The action movie world just got a massive jolt of adrenaline as Lionsgate has finally put an end to months of speculation: John Wick 5 is officially in production. The news, confirmed in an exclusive statement to Comic Book on March 12, 2025, has sent fans into a frenzy, reigniting their passion for the gun-fu franchise that redefined the genre. Lionsgate’s tantalizing teaser—“It is true that John Wick is gone in part 4, but please be patient while we make the movie!”—acknowledges the jaw-dropping ending of John Wick: Chapter 4 while promising that the saga of the Baba Yaga is far from over. With production underway, the studio is pulling out all the stops to craft what they’re calling “the next epic chapter,” leaving audiences buzzing with questions about how the legendary hitman will return.

John Wick: Chapter 4, released in 2023, left an indelible mark on cinema with its relentless action and a runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes that still felt too short for its sprawling story. The film concluded with Keanu Reeves’ John Wick seemingly meeting his end, a sacrificial move to secure freedom from the High Table, complete with a gravestone etched with “Loving Husband.” It was a gut-punch that divided fans—some hailed it as a poetic close to his arc, while others clung to hope, pointing to the ambiguous post-credits scene teasing a new threat from Caine (Donnie Yen). Lionsgate’s confirmation of John Wick 5 now validates those optimists, proving that even death can’t keep Wick down for long. “He’s gone in part 4,” the studio admits, “but hold tight”—a cryptic nudge that suggests a resurrection, a twist, or perhaps a bold reimagining is in the works.

Details about the plot remain scarce as production kicks off, but Lionsgate’s statement hints at a deliberate, meticulous process. Director Chad Stahelski, the mastermind behind the franchise’s signature choreography and world-building, is reportedly back at the helm, though no official announcement has confirmed his involvement as of March 13, 2025. Stahelski has long teased that he and Reeves have “ideas for days” about where to take the character, and this fifth installment seems poised to explore uncharted territory. In a 2023 interview, he mused about Wick’s legacy beyond his own story, hinting at prequels, spin-offs, or even a shift in focus to new players. Could John Wick 5 delve into his past, resurrect him through some High Table loophole, or pivot to a successor? Fans are already flooding X with theories, from “Keanu’s coming back as a ghost!” to “It’s John Wick reborn—mark my words.”

The cast remains a tantalizing mystery, but Reeves’ return feels all but assured given his synonymous bond with the role. Since 2014, the 60-year-old actor has transformed John Wick into a cultural icon, blending stoic grief with balletic violence in a way few could replicate. Lionsgate’s plea for patience—“we’re making the movie!”—suggests they’re tailoring this chapter to meet sky-high expectations, likely ensuring Reeves’ presence despite Chapter 4’s cliffhanger. Rumors also swirl about returning favorites like Ian McShane as Winston, Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King, and Yen’s Caine, whose post-credits clash with Akira (Rina Sawayama) left a dangling thread begging to be pulled. New faces could join the fray too, with Stahelski’s knack for elevating action stars like Hiroyuki Sanada (Chapter 4) fueling speculation about who might step into Wick’s bullet-riddled universe next.

This isn’t just another sequel—it’s a testament to the franchise’s enduring pull. John Wick: Chapter 4 grossed over $440 million worldwide on a $100 million budget, proving audiences crave its visceral thrills and intricate mythology. The series has spawned spin-offs like The Continental (2023) and the upcoming Ballerina (June 2025), starring Ana de Armas, but John Wick 5 is the main event fans have been clamoring for. Lionsgate’s confidence shines through in their tease of an “epic chapter,” hinting at a runtime that could rival or exceed Chapter 4’s near-three-hour mark. If Avengers: Endgame taught us anything, it’s that a well-crafted epic can keep viewers glued for hours—something Stahelski and Reeves have mastered with each Wick outing.

The road to production hasn’t been without hurdles. After Chapter 4’s release, Reeves and Stahelski expressed exhaustion, with the latter joking they’d need “a couple years” to recover. The 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes delayed early planning, pushing John Wick 5’s timeline into uncertainty. Yet, Lionsgate’s green light signals a renewed vigor, with filming reportedly starting in mid-2025 across locations like New York and Japan—nods to the franchise’s gritty urban roots and global flair. The studio’s patience plea suggests a release targeting late 2026 or early 2027, giving them ample time to perfect what could be Wick’s most ambitious adventure yet.

Fan reactions on X are electric. “John Wick 5 confirmed? My heart can’t take this!” one user posted, while another declared, “Lionsgate knows we’d riot if Wick stayed dead—bring it on!” The tease of his “gone” status only fuels the hype—could this be a prequel exploring his rise as the Baba Yaga, a multiverse twist, or a straight-up resurrection? Stahelski’s past hints about “other versions” of Wick, combined with Lionsgate’s “epic” promise, keep the possibilities wide open. Some even tie this to broader cinematic trends, noting how Avengers: Doomsday’s over-three-hour runtime reflects a hunger for sprawling sagas—something John Wick 5 could capitalize on.

As production ramps up, the wait feels agonizing yet exhilarating. Lionsgate’s cryptic assurance—“hold tight”—is a rallying cry for a fandom that’s stuck with Wick through every headshot and heartbreak. Whether he’s clawing back from the grave, passing the torch, or rewriting his legend, John Wick 5 promises to be a bullet-storm of emotion and action. With the Russo Brothers setting a three-hour bar for Avengers: Doomsday, Stahelski and Reeves seem ready to match it, proving that in the world of high-octane cinema, bigger can indeed be better. The Baba Yaga is coming—and this time, patience might just be the deadliest weapon in his arsenal.