When John Wick: Chapter 4 hit theaters in 2023, it was hailed as a masterpiece of action cinema, grossing $440 million worldwide and cementing Keanu Reeves as one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. But behind the breathtaking stunts and relentless fight scenes, a quieter, more emotional story was unfolding. On May 20, 2025, as fans eagerly await news of John Wick 5, a revelation from the past has resurfaced, casting a new light on Reeves’ journey as the Baba Yaga. In a candid interview with Collider in September 2023, producer Basil Iwanyk disclosed that Reeves, exhausted and battered, begged the team to “definitively kill” John Wick at the end of Chapter 4. This heartbreaking plea has sparked a firestorm of speculation: What drove Keanu to such a desperate request, and how will his struggles shape the future of the franchise? Let’s dive into the untold story of Reeves’ battle behind the scenes and what it means for the next chapter of John Wick! 🎬💥

The Toll of Being John Wick: A Star Pushed to the Brink

Keanu Reeves has always been known for his dedication to his roles, often performing his own stunts to bring authenticity to his characters. The John Wick series, which began in 2014, has been a testament to his commitment, with each film pushing the boundaries of action choreography. By the time Chapter 4 rolled around, Reeves had spent nearly a decade embodying the grief-stricken assassin, delivering jaw-dropping sequences that left audiences in awe. But the physical and emotional toll of the role was immense. Iwanyk revealed that Reeves was “destroyed” by the grueling production, often collapsing after long days on set and pleading, “I can’t do this again.” His body ached, his spirit was drained, and he longed for closure—not just for John Wick, but for himself. 💪😓

The demands of John Wick: Chapter 4 were unprecedented. The film featured some of the most ambitious action scenes in the franchise’s history, including a sprawling fight in Paris’ Arc de Triomphe and a brutal showdown on the 222 steps of Montmartre. Reeves, then in his late 50s, trained for months to master new martial arts techniques, including judo and jiu-jitsu, while also learning to wield weapons like nunchucks and swords. He performed 90% of his stunts, a feat that earned him praise but came at a steep cost. Sources close to the production noted that Reeves suffered from knee pain and other injuries, often pushing through exhaustion to meet the film’s relentless pace. “He gave everything,” Iwanyk said, “but it broke him.” The producer’s words paint a vivid picture of a man who, despite his love for the character, was reaching his breaking point. 🥋

Reeves’ plea to kill John Wick wasn’t just about physical exhaustion—it was emotional too. The John Wick series is rooted in grief, with the character’s journey beginning after the death of his wife and the loss of his dog, a gift from her. Each film delves deeper into Wick’s pain, and Reeves, known for his own experiences with personal loss, poured his heart into the role. In a 2017 interview with Tuổi Trẻ Online, he once said, “People need happiness to live, but I don’t.” This haunting statement reflects the depth of emotion he brought to John Wick, but also hints at the toll it took on his psyche. By the end of Chapter 4, Reeves wanted Wick to find peace—whether through death or redemption—because he needed that peace for himself. 🖤

The Ambiguous Ending: A Door Left Ajar

Despite Reeves’ heartfelt request, the John Wick: Chapter 4 team couldn’t bring themselves to fully close the door on the character. The film ends with Wick collapsing after a climactic duel, his fate left ambiguous as his allies visit a gravestone bearing his name. But a subtle hint—a dog looking off into the distance—suggested he might still be alive. Iwanyk admitted they “left a 10% little opening,” a decision driven by both creative and commercial considerations. The John Wick franchise had become a billion-dollar juggernaut, with its four films collectively earning over $1 billion globally. Lionsgate, the studio behind the series, saw the potential for more, and fans weren’t ready to say goodbye to the Baba Yaga. 🐶

This ambiguity sparked intense debate among fans. On X, posts from 2023 reflect the divided sentiment: some praised the ending’s emotional weight, while others felt it was a cop-out, designed to “milk” the franchise further. One user wrote, “John Wick 4’s ending was perfect—let him rest!” while another speculated, “Part 5 going back to his past as a hitman would be dope!” The decision to keep Wick alive paid off commercially, as Chapter 4 became the highest-grossing film in the series. But it also left Reeves in a difficult position, knowing he’d likely have to return to a role that had pushed him to his limits. The question lingered: Could he do it again? 🤔

A New Chapter: John Wick 5 and Beyond

Fast forward to 2025, and the John Wick universe is expanding faster than ever. Lionsgate confirmed John Wick 5 at CinemaCon in April 2025, with Reeves set to reprise his role despite his earlier reservations. The upcoming Ballerina spinoff, starring Ana de Armas and featuring a cameo from Reeves, is slated for release on June 6, 2025. Additionally, a TV series, John Wick: Under the High Table, and an animated prequel are in development, exploring new characters and timelines within the franchise’s world. Director Chad Stahelski has promised a “really different” story for Part 5, one that moves beyond the High Table saga and possibly delves into Wick’s past or emotional redemption. 🎥

But what does this mean for Keanu Reeves? Sources report that he’s been training rigorously since early 2025, working with the 87Eleven stunt team to adapt his fighting style to his physical limitations. At 60, Reeves is focusing on low-impact techniques, incorporating Brazilian jiu-jitsu, yoga, and swimming to protect his knees while still delivering the action fans expect. He’s also reportedly collaborating with Donnie Yen’s team, inspired by Yen’s character Caine from Chapter 4, to bring a fresh, culturally infused flair to his combat scenes. “Keanu’s determination is unreal,” an insider shared. “He’s in the gym five hours a day, perfecting every move.” 🥷

Yet, the emotional weight of John Wick remains a challenge. In a December 2024 interview on CBS Mornings, Reeves admitted, “My knees are telling me, ‘You can’t do another John Wick.’” Despite this, his love for the character and fans has driven him to return. Stahelski’s vision for Part 5—focusing on Wick’s humanity rather than just his lethality—might offer Reeves the closure he sought in Chapter 4. Could this be the film where John Wick finally finds peace, perhaps stepping away from his assassin life for good? Fans on X are hopeful, with one writing, “I hope John Wick 5 gives Keanu the ending he deserves—let the Baba Yaga rest!” 🌅

The Bigger Picture: A Star’s Legacy and a Franchise’s Future

Reeves’ journey with John Wick is more than just a story of physical endurance—it’s a testament to his resilience and authenticity. He’s never been one to chase fame or fortune, often shying away from the spotlight and donating much of his earnings to charity. His decision to return for John Wick 5, despite the toll it takes, reflects his commitment to his craft and his fans. But it also raises questions about the franchise’s future. The John Wick series has been praised for its action but criticized for stretching its narrative, with some fans on forums like VOZ calling the later films “repetitive” and “unrealistic,” particularly citing elements like a blind assassin using guns in Chapter 4. Will Part 5 address these concerns, or will it risk overstaying its welcome? ⚖️

The broader John Wick universe offers a potential solution. With spinoffs like Ballerina and Under the High Table, the franchise can explore new characters and stories, reducing the burden on Reeves while keeping the world alive. There’s also buzz about revisiting other projects in Reeves’ career, like a sequel to Constantine, which fans on VOZ and X have long requested, noting its untapped potential for supernatural storytelling. Perhaps after John Wick 5, Reeves can explore roles that allow him to step away from the physical demands of action cinema and focus on the emotional depth he brings to every performance. 🕯️

A Hero’s Journey, On and Off Screen

As of 2:15 PM +07 on May 20, 2025, Keanu Reeves’ future with John Wick remains a topic of fascination. His heartbreaking plea to end the character in Chapter 4 reveals the human side of a Hollywood legend—a man who gives everything to his art, even when it breaks him. Yet, his return for Part 5 shows a resilience that mirrors John Wick’s own. Whether this next chapter brings closure or opens new doors, one thing is certain: Keanu Reeves’ journey as the Baba Yaga has captured the world’s imagination, and his legacy as a star who prioritizes heart over fame will endure. Are you ready to see what’s next for John Wick—and for Keanu? The countdown to John Wick 5 is on, and it promises to be a ride like no other! 🌟🔫