The John Wick franchise has become a cornerstone of modern action cinema, propelled by Keanu Reeves’ mesmerizing portrayal of the titular assassin, a man whose grief and vengeance have carved a bloody path through a shadowy underworld. With John Wick: Chapter 5 officially in development, as confirmed by Lionsgate at CinemaCon in April 2025, fans are eager for the next chapter in the saga of the Baba Yaga. Directed by Chad Stahelski, this installment promises to shift gears, moving away from the High Table’s dominance to explore a new story that humanizes John Wick, forcing the seemingly immortal assassin to confront his mortality, relationships, and purpose. With returning characters like Winston (Ian McShane) and Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), and the lingering absence of Charon (Lance Reddick), John Wick 5 is poised to balance heart-pounding action with emotional depth, redefining John’s journey. This article delves into the anticipated plot, cast, and themes, drawing on recent updates to explore how John Wick must become human again.

A New Direction for the Franchise

The John Wick series has evolved from a gritty revenge tale in 2014 to a sprawling epic of global conspiracies and mythic assassins. Chapter 4 (2023) concluded with John’s apparent death after a duel with the Marquis de Gramont, leaving fans questioning his fate. However, John Wick 5 will address this ambiguity, with director Chad Stahelski teasing a “really different” story that moves beyond the High Table’s influence. “John dealt with his grief,” Stahelski noted, suggesting that the fifth film will explore new stakes for the character, focusing on personal redemption rather than institutional battles. This shift aims to ground the narrative, echoing the first film’s focus on personal loss and human stakes, while still delivering the franchise’s signature action.

The decision to move away from the High Table opens the door to a fresh antagonistic force, potentially tied to John’s past or new players in the criminal underworld. Posts on X reflect fan excitement, with one user stating, “John Wick 5’s new direction sounds like it’ll bring back the raw emotion of the first film.” The film’s narrative may also address plot holes from the spin-off Ballerina (released June 6, 2025), where John’s appearance raised questions about his survival and his interactions with the Ruska Roma. By focusing on John’s humanity, John Wick 5 aims to reconnect audiences with the man behind the myth, making his journey both relatable and thrilling.

Keanu Reeves: The Soul of John Wick

Keanu Reeves, now 60, remains the heart of the franchise, with his return confirmed despite concerns about the physical demands of the role. Reeves has expressed hesitation about John Wick 5, noting that the stunts must be tailored to his current capabilities. “He’s being honest about what he can and can’t do,” a source revealed, emphasizing that the script is being crafted to accommodate Reeves’ age while preserving the intensity fans expect. This approach may see John relying more on strategy and alliances than brute force, highlighting his vulnerability and humanizing the character further.

Reeves’ performance has always balanced John’s lethal precision with emotional depth, from his grief over his wife’s death to his loyalty to friends like Charon and Winston. In John Wick 5, this duality will be central, as John grapples with his identity outside the assassin’s life. The film may explore whether John can find peace or if his past will forever define him. Reeves’ recent cameo in Ballerina, set between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, showcased his enduring charisma, with Ana de Armas praising his contribution to the franchise’s legacy. His commitment to John Wick 5 ensures that the character’s evolution will remain authentic, even as the story ventures into new territory.

Exploring John’s Past and Relationships

A key element of John Wick 5 will be its exploration of John’s origins, particularly his ties to the Ruska Roma, the Belarusian crime syndicate that trained him. Chapter 3 introduced this connection through The Director (Anjelica Huston), and Ballerina further highlighted John’s history with the organization. The fifth film is expected to delve deeper, potentially revealing how John became the Baba Yaga and the personal costs of his assassin training. This backstory could provide context for his appearance in Ballerina, where he briefly clashes with Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) before teaming up, a plot point that John Wick 5 must address to maintain continuity.

John’s relationship with Winston, played by Ian McShane, will also be a focal point. Chapter 4 raised questions about Winston’s motives, particularly after he called John “son” and shot him off the Continental’s roof. Fans have speculated about a familial connection, with some theorizing that Winston could be John’s father. While unconfirmed, John Wick 5 may clarify this dynamic, exploring whether Winston’s actions were a betrayal or a calculated move to protect John. McShane’s return is highly likely, and his chemistry with Reeves will anchor the film’s emotional core.

The Returning Cast and New Faces

While Keanu Reeves is the only confirmed cast member, several familiar faces are expected to return. Laurence Fishburne’s Bowery King, a key ally in Chapter 4, is likely to reappear, with Fishburne hinting at his involvement. His underground network could play a pivotal role in John’s new mission, especially as the story moves away from the High Table. Rina Sawayama’s Akira, who survived Chapter 4 and vowed revenge against Caine (Donnie Yen) in the post-credits scene, is another probable returnee, potentially driving a subplot of vengeance that intersects with John’s arc.

The absence of Lance Reddick’s Charon, the Continental’s loyal concierge, will cast a melancholic shadow. Reddick’s passing in 2023 and Charon’s death in Chapter 4 leave a void, but Stahelski has promised to honor his legacy through narrative tributes, perhaps through flashbacks or references to Charon’s bond with John. Other potential returnees include Donnie Yen as Caine, whose spin-off film is in development, and Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, whose role in Ballerina has sparked fan interest in her return. New characters, possibly tied to the new antagonistic force, will add fresh dynamics to the ensemble.

A Humanized John Wick

The subtitle “When the Immortal Assassin Must Become Human Again” reflects the film’s thematic core. John Wick has long been portrayed as an almost mythic figure, surviving impossible odds and earning the moniker Baba Yaga. However, Chapter 4’s ending suggested a resolution to his grief-driven vengeance, leaving him to find a new purpose. John Wick 5 will challenge John to redefine himself, perhaps seeking redemption or a life beyond killing. This humanization could involve reconciling with his past, forging new relationships, or confronting his mortality, especially given Reeves’ age and the physical toll of the role.

The film may draw inspiration from the first John Wick, which grounded its action in John’s personal loss—his wife and dog. By returning to this emotional foundation, John Wick 5 could explore John’s attempt to reclaim his humanity, perhaps through protecting someone new or rebuilding connections with allies like Winston and the Bowery King. Posts on X highlight fan enthusiasm for this approach, with one user noting, “John Wick 5 focusing on John as a person, not just a killer, is exactly what the series needs.”

Action and Choreography: A New Benchmark

Despite its focus on John’s humanity, John Wick 5 will not skimp on action. Stahelski is renowned for his innovative choreography, blending martial arts, gun-fu, and vehicular combat. Early reports suggest new set pieces, including a chase through a European city and a battle in an abandoned cathedral, showcasing the franchise’s commitment to practical stunts. Reeves’ training, adjusted for his age, may incorporate strategic combat styles like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, ensuring that John’s fights reflect his experience rather than raw physicality.

The return of Donnie Yen’s Caine could lead to a climactic showdown with Akira, fulfilling the tension from Chapter 4’s post-credits scene. This confrontation would showcase Yen’s martial arts prowess, complementing Reeves’ style. The film’s action will also reflect its new antagonistic force, potentially introducing unique weapons or fighting techniques to keep the sequences fresh. Stahelski’s promise of a “holy fuck” trailer moment suggests that John Wick 5 will push visual and kinetic boundaries, maintaining the franchise’s reputation for redefining action cinema.

Addressing Ballerina’s Plot Holes

The spin-off From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025) introduced a continuity issue by featuring John Wick during the timeline between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, despite his apparent death in the latter. In Ballerina, John briefly tries to kill Eve Macarro before teaming up with her, leaving fans puzzled about his motives and survival. John Wick 5 is expected to address this plot hole, possibly by confirming that John faked his death or by setting the film as a prequel. A few lines of dialogue could clarify his Ruska Roma involvement, ensuring narrative consistency across the franchise.

Ballerina’s mixed reception—praised for its action (76% critics, 93% audience on Rotten Tomatoes) but criticized for a rushed plot—underscores the need for John Wick 5 to deliver a cohesive story. By integrating Eve’s arc or referencing her training with the Ruska Roma, the film can strengthen the Wick universe’s interconnectedness, making spin-offs feel integral rather than supplementary.

The Future of the Wick Universe

John Wick 5 is part of a broader expansion, with an animated prequel exploring the “Impossible Task” and a Caine spin-off directed by Donnie Yen slated for 2025. A new series, Under the High Table, will further explore the universe’s mythology. These projects suggest that John Wick 5 may set up future stories, potentially transitioning John’s role to new characters like Eve or Caine. However, with a release likely in 2027 or 2028 due to Stahelski’s work on Highlander, fans face a wait for the next chapter.

Conclusion

John Wick 5 promises to be a transformative chapter, forcing the immortal assassin to confront his humanity in a world that demands his lethality. Keanu Reeves’ return, guided by Chad Stahelski’s vision, ensures that the film will balance emotional depth with unparalleled action. By exploring John’s Ruska Roma roots, resolving Ballerina’s plot holes, and honoring Charon’s legacy, the film aims to ground its mythic hero in a new, personal struggle. With returning favorites like Winston and Bowery King, and potential showdowns involving Akira and Caine, John Wick 5 will weave a rich tapestry of intrigue and redemption. As John navigates a new antagonistic force, his journey to become human again will redefine the franchise, proving that even the Baba Yaga can find a path to peace—or die trying.