# The John Wick Franchise: A Decade of Action and Growth
This week marks 10 years since the debut of the original *John Wick* film in theaters, sparking a franchise that has since grossed over $1 billion and enchanted audiences across the globe. The movie presented viewers with a stylized action realm, complex lore, and a dog-loving hitman, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, who seemed perfectly suited for this role. Throughout the last decade, *John Wick* has evolved into a cultural icon, leading to sequels, spinoffs, and even prequels, all while broadening its universe in surprising directions. As the franchise commemorates its 10th anniversary, let’s examine its current status and the prospects ahead.
## The Legacy of John Wick
The inaugural *John Wick* (2014) was an unexpected success, marrying intense, highly choreographed action scenes with a surprisingly poignant narrative about a retired hitman seeking revenge for the loss of his cherished dog. The film’s triumph was fueled by its distinctive visual aesthetic, Reeves’ composed portrayal, and the world-building that hinted at a deeper, enigmatic underworld of assassins bound by stringent codes and principles.
Over the next ten years, the franchise grew with three sequels, each enriching the lore and escalating the tension for its central character. By the time *John Wick: Chapter 4* (2023) was released, the franchise had solidly positioned itself among the most lucrative action series in contemporary cinema. However, the fourth installment also symbolized the closure of John Wick’s saga, with the character appearing to meet his fate in an epic confrontation.
## The Conclusion of John Wick’s Tale?
For fans anticipating a fifth *John Wick* installment, the outlook is not bright. Co-creator Chad Stahelski stated that the story of John Wick has reached its finale. In a discussion with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Stahelski remarked, “We concluded it. It’s a complete narrative.” Although the fourth film ended with a gravestone marked with Wick’s name, his body was never displayed, leaving some uncertainty. Nonetheless, Stahelski and Reeves have both shown hesitance to further the character’s journey, choosing to regard it as a finished arc rather than risk undermining the emotional weight of the storyline.
This choice, albeit disappointing for some, might ultimately be a prudent one. Instead of prolonging the character’s journey, the creators have opted to expand the *John Wick* universe in various manners, ensuring the franchise remains vibrant without sacrificing the essence of the original narrative.
## Broadening the John Wick Universe
While John Wick’s narrative might be concluded, the world he occupied is far from finished. The franchise is swiftly growing with numerous compelling projects on the horizon, including spinoffs, prequels, and even an anime adaptation. Here’s a glimpse of what’s upcoming for *John Wick* enthusiasts:
### **Ballerina (2025)**
One of the most awaited spinoffs is *Ballerina*, set for release in June 2025. The film features Ana de Armas in the role of Eve Macarro, a young Ruska Roma dancer who transforms into a lethal assassin. Taking place during the events of *John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum*, *Ballerina* follows Eve on her quest for vengeance following the murder of her family. While plot specifics are limited, initial footage indicates the film will showcase the same high-energy, meticulously orchestrated action sequences that hallmark the *John Wick* franchise.
De Armas’ casting has already sparked considerable excitement, and fans are eager to discover how her character intertwines within the larger *John Wick* universe. With Keanu Reeves reportedly set for a cameo, *Ballerina* is sure to be a thrilling addition to the franchise.
### **John Wick Anime Prequel**
In addition, there’s a thrilling development involving the announcement of a *John Wick* anime prequel, set to explore the notorious “impossible task” that John Wick had to accomplish to retire. This assignment, alluded to in the original movie, initiated the events of the entire franchise. The anime will explore Wick’s backstory, providing fans with a closer look at his motivations and the world of assassins he once occupied.
While a release date has yet to be announced, the anime is anticipated to offer a fresh, stylized interpretation of the *John Wick* universe, merging the franchise’s trademark action with the distinctive visual artistry of Japanese animation.
### **Under the High Table (TV Series)**
Beyond films, the *John Wick* universe is also venturing into television with the forthcoming series *Under the High Table*. Set after the events of *John Wick: Chapter 4*, the series will delve into the power vacuum created by John Wick’s exit from the realm of the High Table. According to
