The wildest theory about how Keanu Reeves could come back forJohn Wick: Chapter 5would avoid undoing the character’s perfect ending and maybe even top the action-packed carnage that came before.The ending ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4provided a definitive, bittersweet ending to the character’s journey. He made the ultimate sacrifice to liberate the High Table, then reunited with his late wife Helen in the afterlife. The execution was spot-on, and fans couldn’t ask for a better conclusion to John’s story.

But since this is one of the most consistently great action movie franchises around, those fans have continued to demand aJohn Wick: Chapter 5. And since these films keep making money, Lionsgate is eager for more, too. ButJohn Wick: Chapter 5will be tricky to pull offin a satisfying way. If it retcons John’s death, then it’ll ruin the beautiful finality ofChapter 4’s ending. But if it goes back for a prequel storyline wedged between previous movies, it’ll undoubtedly be underwhelming.

John Wick dies on the steps at the end of John Wick Chapter 4

John Wick 5 Taking Place In Hell Would Avoid Retconning Chapter 4’s Ending

John’s Death Would Stick, But He Could Have One More Adventure

Anew theory aboutJohn Wick: Chapter 5offers arguably the best way to pull off John’s return to the big screen. This theory proposes that the fifthJohn Wickmovie should be about John’s soul fighting his way through Satan’s demonic soldiers in Hell. This would bethe final obstacle in John’s quest to reunite with Helen. If she was sent to Heaven and he was sent to Hell, then they’re still not together. If anyone could successfully defeat the Devil and make it to Heaven, it would be John.

10 Characters Who Must Return In John Wick 5 If Keanu Reeves Comes Back

If Keanu Reeves comes back for John Wick: Chapter 5, it should herald the return of other fan-favorite characters like Aurelio and The Bowery King.

This would bea great way to bring back John for another cinematic adventure without retconning his deathor going backwards on the story timeline. One of the biggest problems with making anotherJohn Wickmovie afterChapter 4is thatChapter 4went as big as an action film could possibly go, soChapter 5would have no way to top it. Butplunging John into the fires of damnation to battle demonic spirits would certainly top what came before.

Collage of Halle Berry in John Wick 3 and Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne in John Wick 4

Why John Wick 5’s Purgatory Theory Is Not As Absurd As It Sounds

This Franchise Has Always Been Mythic & Far-Fetched

It might seem absurd and far-fetched to send John to Hell, but this franchise has always been absurd and far-fetched. In the last one, John jumped out of a third-story window on fire, landed on the roof of a van, and got up without a scratch.Would Hell really be that much of a stretchfrom there? And on top of that, the series has always been influenced by mythology; Charon is named after the ferryman of the underworld. What could be more mythic than a damned soul fighting his way through fire and brimstone inJohn Wick: Chapter 5?

John Wick

“John Wick” is a neo-noir action-thriller franchise centered around a retired hitman who returns to the criminal underworld to seek vengeance. Known for its intense and stylistic action sequences, the franchise has redefined modern action cinema with its choreographed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate world-building. The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and survival in a secret society of assassins.

John Wick Franchise Poster