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Keanu Reeves' Aching Body Raises Doubts About Future of John Wick Franchise
28 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Keanu Reeves has endured significant physical toll playing John Wick
- Director Chad Stahelski pushed Reeves "almost barbaric" on recent films
- Reeves unsure if his body can handle another John Wick movie
In September 2025, the John Wick franchise is set to expand with the release of the Ballerina spinoff and an anime prequel about the Impossible Task. However, the future of the main film series remains uncertain, despite Keanu Reeves' character seemingly dying at the end of Chapter 4.
Earlier this year, Lionsgate announced that John Wick: Chapter 5 is in development, but the director, Chad Stahelski, has since indicated that it's not a sure thing yet. This uncertainty stems from the immense physical toll the franchise has taken on Reeves, as revealed in the documentary Wick is Pain.
The documentary chronicles the making of the four John Wick movies, highlighting the extreme demands placed on Reeves. Stunt coordinators and the producer have described Reeves coughing for 10 minutes, going to the bathroom to vomit during training, and limping due to injuries to his knee, shoulder, and neck. Stahelski has even acknowledged that pushing Reeves past his comfort zone was "almost barbaric" on the last two films.
Despite the physical strain, Reeves has willingly put his body through the wringer, and Stahelski has pushed him to his limits, knowing what the actor can handle. However, at the end of Wick is Pain, Reeves voiced his concern about the future, questioning whether the pain is worth enduring, especially now that he's in his 60s.
This is not the first time Reeves has expressed his reservations about continuing the franchise. Last year, he shared that he doesn't think his knees could handle doing John Wick: Chapter 5. While he's reportedly receiving a lucrative payday for the potential fifth installment, Reeves has been "perfectly honest about what he's willing and not willing to do stunt-wise" due to the toll the movies have taken on his body.
Ultimately, the future of the John Wick franchise remains uncertain, and the decision to move forward with another movie should consider the well-being of its lead actor, Keanu Reeves, who has given so much of himself to bring the iconic assassin to life.
