The thrilling conclusion of “John Wick: Chapter 4” left audiences captivated and eager to know the fate of the legendary assassin, John Wick, portrayed by the remarkable Keanu Reeves. John Wick’s Chapter 4 ending, along with the John Wick Alternate Ending, left room for speculation, with an ambiguous conclusion that sparked heated debates among fans. In this article, we delve into the details, exploring the alternate ending, audience preferences, and the potential for future installments in the “John Wick” franchise.
The Ambiguous Ending That Ignited Theories
At the climax of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” John Wick engages in a high-stakes duel, battling to free himself from the clutches of the High Table. The tension escalates as John gets shot during the third round of the duel, leading to a seemingly fatal outcome. Collapsing on the Basilica of Sacré Coeur steps, he imagines a tender moment with his late wife, Helen. The film then transitions to a final scene, revealing Winston (Ian McShane) and the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) visiting John’s gravestone.
The ambiguous ending has sparked fervent speculation, prompting whether Keanu Reeves will reprise his role in a fifth installment of the “John Wick” franchise. Reeves and Stahelski have teased audiences by subtly hinting at John Wick’s survival, igniting hopes for another adrenaline-fueled adventure.
Also, Read: How John Wick Revolutionized Modern Action Cinema
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Reeves responded to the possibility of a fifth “John Wick” film, stating, “I don’t know, I guess I’m going to have to lean on ‘never say never,’ I mean, I wouldn’t do a ‘John Wick’ film without [director] Chad Stahelski. We’d have to see what that looked like. For me, it feels really right that John Wick finds peace.”
Behind the Scene of John Wick: Chapter 4.There are several theories about what will happen next in the John Wick franchise after the events of Chapter 4. Here are a few of the most popular:
- John Wick is not dead. The ending of Chapter 4 is ambiguous, and some fans believe that John faked his death to escape the High Table. This theory is supported by the fact that his dog perked up when Winston and the Bowery King paid their respects, which could be interpreted as a sign that John is still alive.
- John Wick will go on a quest for revenge. If John is dead, his death may spark a new wave of violence in the Continental Hotel. This could lead to John’s allies, such as Winston and the Bowery King, seeking revenge on the High Table.
- The High Table will be overthrown. The High Table has been a major force in the John Wick universe, but they have also been shown to be corrupt and ruthless. John’s death may inspire others to rise against the High Table and overthrow them.
- The John Wick franchise will end. The John Wick franchise has been incredibly successful, but Chapter 4 may be the last film in the series. It would be a bittersweet ending, but it would also be a fitting way to close out the story of John Wick.
What Did John Wick’s Director Reveal?
Director Chad Stahelski recently disclosed that they filmed an alternative ending for “John Wick: Chapter 4.” In this version, John Wick unequivocally survives the duel, leaving no room for doubt. Stahelski expressed that he and Keanu Reeves favored the theatrical ending, maintaining an air of ambiguity. However, the tested audiences surprisingly preferred the enigmatic conclusion.
During a post-screening Q&A at the SXSW Film Festival, Reeves shed light on the underlying theme of mortality that drives “John Wick: Chapter 4.” The central “why” of the movie is death itself, emphasizing John Wick’s journey to attain peace and freedom. The narrative explores the significance of finding purpose in the face of mortality, offering a compelling foundation for the fourth installment.
Insights on John Wick 4’s alternate ending from the Franchise Producer
Basil Iwanyk, the producer of the “John Wick” franchise, offered insights with Indiewire into the ambiguous ending and the potential for future stories. He described the finale of “John Wick: Chapter 4” as “ambiguous,” refusing to definitively confirm or deny Wick’s fate. Iwanyk emphasized the difference between John Wick, the assassin, and John, the civilian, leaving the possibility for other narratives.
The success of “John Wick: Chapter 4” at the box office, including a record-breaking $73.5 million opening and surpassing the $1 billion mark worldwide, makes it evident that Lionsgate, the film’s studio, will likely seek to continue the franchise. Notably, a spinoff titled “Ballerina” is already in the works, set to release in 2024, with Ana de Armas starring and Reeves reprising his role in a supporting capacity.
