Hold onto your hats, John Wick fans, because the universe is about to get a whole lot wider – and older! Rumors are swirling about an unexpected new spinoff: an original samurai Western.
The exciting news came from screenwriter Austin Everett, who, in a recent interview profiling rising talents, casually revealed he’s penned a samurai Western script set within the John Wick world. “That’s probably as much as I can say,” he cryptically added, hinting at the secrecy surrounding the project.
While details are incredibly scarce, this brief mention has sent fans into a frenzy. Until now, the John Wick universe has been firmly rooted in modern times. The thought of exploring the High Table’s intricate criminal underworld and its legendary assassins in a completely different historical setting is undeniably thrilling.
However, this expansion isn’t without its questions. The recent performance of the Ana de Armas-led spinoff, Ballerina, raised concerns. Despite a cameo from Keanu Reeves himself, the film’s modest box office of $132 million against a $90 million budget contributed to Lionsgate reporting a $94 million quarterly net loss. This stands in stark contrast to John Wick: Chapter 4, which soared to $447.3 million globally on a $100 million budget.
This raises a crucial question for the franchise: is there a risk of “John Wick fatigue”? And does the John Wick formula truly only work when Keanu Reeves’ iconic assassin is at its core?
Despite these potential headwinds, Lionsgate appears committed to expanding the franchise. Two other John Wick spinoffs are already in active development: an anime prequel delving into John Wick’s fabled “Impossible Task,” and a live-action side-story focusing on Donnie Yen’s fan-favorite character, Caine. There are also ongoing discussions and plans for a full John Wick: Chapter 5, with Keanu Reeves expected to return. However, director Chad Stahelski recently admitted that he’s still figuring out how to craft a compelling narrative for Chapter 5 that logically follows the dramatic conclusion of John Wick: Chapter 4.