Expected in late March, 2023, Lionsgate/87Eleven Entertainment has released the trailer for “John Wick: Chapter 4.” It’s no surprise that Wick is back. Not only was the story hyped up and not ended in the successful “Chapter 3—Parabellum,” but the film’s star, Keanu Reeves, has hinted that he’ll continue to play the character “as long as audiences keep buying tickets.” And that’s a compliment. People like these films; something about an ex-assassin brought back into the fray by—of all things—the love of his deceased wife and a dog just works. It doesn’t hurt that Reeves is immensely liked by fans, and these movies are a hyper mix between the martial arts genre and Quentin Tarantino.
“John Wick: Chapter 3” grossed a worldwide return of $327M, so it’s no shock that studios want to keep going. As I mentioned in my review of that film, there are so many interesting and creative ways that the makers find for Wick to kill his adversaries (I mean, he uses a horse in one scene), one has to wonder if there’s the life left to give the character. But given that “Chapter 4” seeks to bring new actors and sets to the film (we see the film introducing “IT” actor Bill Skarsgård to the mix, and the trailer moves from city to desert and back again) it’s likely to be yet another exciting entry.
The Story
Per IMDb, the “John Wick: Chapter 4” story is as follows: John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating the High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes. Lionsgate presents a Thunder Road Films/87eleven production.
In what is likely a wise move, the film’s trailer shows some of the plot points as Wick meets with adversaries, the (possible) leader of the High Table, and more. There are some hints at epic battles, but the trailer in no way gives away what is sure to be the film’s more iconic battle scenes and/or kills. It’s simply enough to intrigue, as anyone who is a fan of the “John Wick” series likely already knows exactly what they’re going to get stepping into a cinema to watch this film.
Is there enough left to the “John Wick” story to necessitate a “Chapter 4?” The answer is probably yes. In a time period of cinema denoted by increased artistry and messages of social importance, films like this—reminiscent of ’90s hard-hitting action blockbusters—tend to make massive draws. This is especially true in a (post?) Covid world were some people are still tentative to step out of their home for theater visits. If done right, “John Wick: Chapter 4” could be yet another huge Box Office draw and a romp of a good time for Reeves fans.
The Trailer
You can watch the trailer in the box below, or click to watch on YouTube. Follow The Movie Buff for a full review of the film upon release in late March.
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