Keanu Reeves’ recent action film John Wick was a surprise success, earning more than three times its $20 million budget at the box office while receiving generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike — so it should probably come as no surprise that a sequel is already in the works.
Speaking with Movies.com, co-directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch revealed that another film featuring the deadly, enigmatic assassin John Wick is indeed planned, though Reeves’ return to the role is uncertain at this point.
“We’re in development right now,” said Stahelski of where things are at with the sequel.
The pair added that it’s not the task of upping the action ante that will determine the viability of a sequel, but the ability to see Reeves’ character evolve and grow in a new story.
“It’s the matter of story and how much you like the character, explained Stahelski. “That’s always most important. If there’s great action but you have a character that no one likes and doesn’t have charisma you’re not going to watch it. Look at any great action star, whether it’s Harrison Ford or Liam Neeson or Robert Downey Jr., pick a name, you love the guy first. Good action, bad action, you just love them in action. So we want to make sure we have a story and a character that everybody loves and then we’ll dress it with action that we promise will be awesome.”
While Reeves’ participation in a sequel has yet to be confirmed — and will likely depend on the script — the pair acknowledged that the star of The Matrix is not only a big part of the first film’s success, but a pretty great person to work with on any number of projects.
“If you could work with Keanu Reeves for 10 movies you’d have a really cool career,” said Stahelski.
John Wick is available on DVD and Blu-ray this week.
