John Wick 5 Confirmed: Lionsgate Plans Back-to-Back Production with Chapter 4
Lionsgate has officially confirmed a fifth installment in the popular John Wick action franchise, starring Keanu Reeves. The studio announced plans to shoot John Wick 5 back-to-back with the fourth film, aiming to begin production when Reeves becomes available. This approach follows a growing trend in franchise filmmaking that aims to create stronger narrative continuity and production efficiencies.
According to a studio earnings call, Lionsgate CEO John Feltheimer explained that scripts for both upcoming installments are already in preparation. Feltheimer noted that John Wick 4 was slated for a Memorial Day weekend release in 2022 and that the studio hoped to shoot both films consecutively when scheduling allows. Reeves is currently occupied with other commitments, which is why the studio plans to coordinate the timing closely before moving forward with simultaneous production.
The decision to film two installments back-to-back typically results in a more tightly linked storyline, as seen with other multi-film productions. When consecutive shooting schedules are employed, filmmakers often build arcs that flow across both pictures, enabling deeper character development and a more cohesive narrative. Examples in the industry have demonstrated the creative and logistical benefits of this method, from expanded storytelling opportunities to cost savings.
The John Wick franchise has delivered both critical acclaim and strong box office returns. Collectively, the series has generated substantial revenue for Lionsgate, with cumulative global earnings reported at $584.2 million to date. Notably, John Wick: Chapter 3 earned $326.7 million worldwide on a production budget of approximately $75 million, underlining the franchise’s profitability and audience appeal. These figures help explain the studio’s eagerness to expand the series with additional sequels.
Fans can reasonably expect the fifth film to pick up threads left by the fourth, given the back-to-back production plan. While specific plot details for John Wick 4 and John Wick 5 have not been released, the studio’s intention to shoot consecutively suggests a desire for continuity and an overarching storyline that spans both entries. This approach can allow the filmmakers to resolve cliffhangers, expand the world-building, and deepen the stakes across multiple films.
Keanu Reeves’ involvement is central to the franchise’s identity, and his availability will determine the production timeline. Reeves has balanced multiple high-profile projects, and coordinating schedules is an important factor for Lionsgate as it prepares to move into principal photography. The studio has emphasized that script development and pre-production work are underway while awaiting final scheduling confirmations.
From a commercial perspective, the sustained growth in box office returns across the series demonstrates strong audience interest. Each film has built on the momentum of the last, creating a durable fanbase and a recognizable cinematic brand. For studios, back-to-back shoots can reduce overhead, maintain creative momentum, and help the cast and crew deliver a consistent vision across consecutive releases.
At this stage, John Wick: Chapter 4 was scheduled to be released on 27 May 2022, while a release date for John Wick 5 has not yet been announced by Lionsgate. No official plot or casting details have been revealed for the fifth installment. The studio’s public statements focus on planning and script development, signaling that more concrete production updates will follow once key scheduling issues are resolved.
In summary, Lionsgate’s confirmation of a fifth John Wick movie, planned to be shot consecutively with the fourth, highlights both the franchise’s commercial success and the studio’s commitment to expanding the story. Fans should expect a more interconnected narrative across the two films, and further announcements will likely appear once Keanu Reeves’ schedule and pre-production plans are finalized.