“We didn’t feel like we had done our best”: John Wick 4 Director Was Determined to Kill Keanu Reeves’ Character Years Ago
Keanu Reeves, starring in the titular role of the John Wick franchise, has a huge fan base. All thanks to the action-packed movies, he holds the mantle of lead star in the John Wick franchise that released its 4th installment in March 2023.
What’s interesting about this last installment is that it carries an ambiguous ending which’s been said to set the stage for the future. Now, how the franchise carries it forward, just like they have been doing the best for its character, is much anticipated.
Keanu Reeves’ Journey Doesn’t End in John Wick 4
In a recent shocking revelation made by Director Chad Stahelski, the end seen in theatres for Chapter 4, it might not be the end for Keanu Reeves’ beloved character. On the one hand, where the theatrical release showed a sad scene with Laurence Fishburne and Ian McShane visiting the grave of John, which hints at his demise, it’s been confirmed by Stahelski that they did film the alternate ending.
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The alternate end showed very clearly that John Wick was still alive. However, as the audience prefers an ambiguous ending, they include it in the final cut, leaving the character’s fate uncertain.
Chad Stahelski said, “We had a different ending… So, it was very clear that he was still alive. The audiences we tested with absolutely preferred the ambiguous ending.” This decision was intriguing, and it kept the fans completely engaged. It allows varied interpretations and speculations about the franchise’s future.
Keanu Reeves Was Skeptical About the Ending
With the release of John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum, Reeves and Stahelski felt quite unsatisfied with a conclusion. They wished for a satisfying and meaningful end with respect to the iconic character. In a recent interview, Stahelski said:
“We didn’t feel like we had done our best. We both felt like we could have ended the series better… We didn’t feel like we stuck the landing, and that’s a shitty feeling. Because we love the character, we love working together, we love the world.”
Read More: “He fit what we needed”: Controversial Mel Gibson Casting Justified by John Wick Spinoff Producer
So, drawing inspiration from samurai etiquette, they did craft a fitting finale that could align with having lived the good life. Now, while the audience embraces the ambiguous end of Chapter 4, Keanu Reeves expresses the desire to give John Wick a fulfilling resolution and a chance to find peace. The sentiment resonates with the fans who continue to share their aspiration to witness the journey of their favorite character come to a gratifying end.
Keanu Reeves Might Be Back for One Last Time
Basil Iwanyck, the producer of John Wick, has hinted at the potential to have the 5th installment. He emphasized that the franchise hadn’t boxed itself in the corner regarding the fate of Keanu Reeves’ John Wick. The open-ended approach allows a future for storytelling while keeping the franchise adaptable and dynamic.
Now, as the fans wait for the next chapter, they can seek solace in knowing that the character of John Wick will return in the spinoff movie Ballerina. The movie features Ana de Armas and carries a lot of excitement. It is about exploring the backstory of the intriguing characters of the franchise, offering some fresh insight to expand the universe of John Wick.
Source: Hiptoro
