Keanu Reeves Talks 'John Wick 5' — But His Knees May Not Agree

Keanu Reeves, the action star behind the John Wick franchise, recently opened up about the possibility of returning for John Wick 5. While the actor’s heart may be eager to reprise his role as the legendary assassin, his body — particularly his knees — could be the deciding factor. Reeves, who has starred in four John Wick films that collectively grossed over $1 billion, shared that the physical toll of the movies has left him uncertain about another installment.

"My Heart Wants It, But My Knees Say No"

In an interview with CBS News, Reeves was candid about the strain that playing John Wick has had on his body. "You can never say never," he said, "but my knees right now are saying ‘I can’t do another ‘John Wick.'’ So my heart does, but I don’t know if my knees can do it." His comments reflect the intense physical demands of the role, which often involves elaborate stunts and fight sequences. After multiple John Wick films, each with intense action scenes, it’s clear that the wear and tear on Reeves’ body is becoming a concern.

Reeves’ dedication to his craft is well-known, and for him, playing John Wick isn’t just about making another action-packed movie. He’s deeply committed to bringing his character to life with as much authenticity as possible. The films demand physicality, and Reeves has consistently done most of his own stunts, which requires a great deal of preparation, flexibility, and strength. After years of playing a character who has been constantly fighting, jumping, and performing dangerous stunts, the toll on his body has become increasingly evident.

John Wick’s Presumed Death — Will He Return?

At the end of John Wick: Chapter 4, John Wick’s fate appeared sealed as he’s seemingly killed in a duel after being shot in the third round. His death is depicted in a powerful scene outside the Basilica of Sacré Coeur, where he envisions his late wife, Helen. The final moments show Winston (Ian McShane) and the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) visiting his gravestone. However, fans have speculated about a potential return for the character, especially given the ambiguous nature of the ending.

Director Chad Stahelski previously shared that an alternate, more definitive ending was filmed, where John Wick survives the duel. However, test audiences preferred the open-ended conclusion, leaving room for speculation. Stahelski also revealed that Reeves himself was a driving force behind the ambiguity of the ending. While Stahelski was open to different possibilities, Reeves felt it was important for John Wick to find peace, as the character had been through so much suffering and violence over the course of the series. The filmmakers ultimately chose the ending that left the door open for future stories, should Reeves be willing and able to return.

Reeves' Desire for Closure

Despite the potential for a sequel, Reeves has made it clear that he feels it’s right for John Wick to find peace. In a previous interview with Entertainment Weekly, he stated that he wouldn’t return for a John Wick film without Stahelski, the director with whom he’s worked on every installment. Reeves has often spoken about his emotional connection to the character and the story, emphasizing that John Wick is ultimately about a man seeking redemption, peace, and closure. After all the pain, loss, and violence that the character endures, it feels like the right time for him to rest.

Reeves’ affection for the role is apparent, but he also recognizes the importance of giving the character a proper sendoff. “It feels really right that John Wick finds peace,” he said in the interview. As an actor, he’s invested in telling the full story, and if a potential John Wick 5 were to move forward, it would need to respect the emotional depth of the character’s journey.

The Exhausting Demands of the Franchise

Filming the John Wick movies has been physically and emotionally draining for Reeves. Franchise producer Basil Iwanyk revealed that after every film, Reeves feels physically destroyed. "He’s just a shell of himself," Iwanyk explained, noting that the actor often insists on being killed off at the end of each installment. "By the end, he’s always like, ‘I can’t do this again.’" Despite Reeves' wishes, the producers always leave a small opening for potential future stories, leading to the ambiguous ending in Chapter 4.

Reeves is notorious for doing most of his own stunts, including fight choreography, hand-to-hand combat, and even driving scenes. While this has earned him widespread admiration for his dedication and commitment to realism, it has also taken a significant toll on his body. Each John Wick film has pushed him further, and the injuries he’s sustained over the years are a testament to the level of physicality he brings to the role. His willingness to push through pain and exhaustion has earned him the respect of fans and colleagues alike, but it’s also left him physically drained after each film.

No Set Plans for John Wick 5

While Lionsgate has expressed interest in a fifth film, no official release date has been set. The studio has not included John Wick 5 on its upcoming release calendar, and as of now, the future of the franchise is uncertain. However, both fans and Reeves himself are still holding out hope for a continuation of the story, as the character of John Wick has become iconic in the action genre.

Reeves, meanwhile, is focused on other projects, including his role in the upcoming spinoff, Ballerina, which will hit theaters on June 6, 2025. While John Wick 5 remains uncertain, Ballerina offers fans another opportunity to see Reeves reprise his iconic role. In the spinoff, Reeves will appear alongside Ana de Armas, continuing to expand the John Wick universe. For now, fans can enjoy the spinoff and wait for any potential updates on a possible fifth film.

A Legacy of John Wick

Whether or not John Wick 5 comes to fruition, there’s no denying the immense impact that the franchise has had on action cinema. Reeves’ portrayal of John Wick has set a new standard for action stars, blending intense physicality with emotional depth. The films have been celebrated for their world-building, unique fight choreography, and the way they’ve redefined the action genre. As of now, Reeves remains a key part of the franchise, but the future is still unclear.

If John Wick 5 does happen, it will likely depend on Reeves’ ability to recover from the toll of previous films and whether he feels his body can take on another round of brutal action sequences. But for now, the actor remains unsure, leaving fans to wonder what the future holds for the beloved character.