Keanu Reeves is back. Just don’t expect the same old Wick.
After months of speculation, John Wick 5 is officially moving forward – with Keanu Reeves set to return once again as the iconic assassin.
But this time, the star is asking for something different: a script that reflects his age, his limits, and the toll that nearly two decades of stunt-heavy action films have taken on his body.
An insider tells In Touch that Reeves, 60, will walk away with a staggering $35 million once the project wraps.
Yet, money isn’t his main motivator.
“Keanu’s being perfectly honest about what he’s willing and not willing to do stunt-wise,”
The source says.
“There’s no faking this. He’s put his body through hell for these movies.”
A Legend Who Won’t Be Replaced
Born on September 2, 1964, Reeves has headlined the John Wick series since its explosive 2014 debut.
But with each film becoming more intense, the strain on its lead actor has only grown. After the grueling shoot of John Wick: Chapter 4, Reeves reportedly begged to kill off the character.
“By the end, he’s always like, ‘I can’t do this again’
John Wick producer Basil Iwanyk told Collider last year.
“Making these films is so exhausting and it destroys Keanu, physically and emotionally.”
While Reeves may have asked for a definitive end in Chapter 4, the team left a “ten percent back door” open, allowing the character’s return. That door is now wide open.
Director Chad Stahelski will once again helm the sequel, with franchise veterans Ian McShane and Laurence Fishburne expected to reprise their roles. Though no official release date has been announced, industry watchers predict John Wick 5 won’t hit theaters before late 2026, given the active development of three spin-offs including Ballerina.
Not Just Another Sequel
Stahelski has made clear he doesn’t want to bring John Wick back “just for the money,” previously noting he has notes for John Wick 5 through 9 – but only if the story warrants it.
For Reeves, that means a version of Wick who can evolve with age, relying more on emotional depth and cinematic presence than endless hand-to-hand combat.
“Keanu isn’t giving up on that world anytime soon,” the insider says, “but he needs the writing to reflect his age and his limitations so he has a chance of surpassing them, which he always does!”
A Franchise That Still Dominates
Lionsgate clearly agrees. Even in spin-offs like Ballerina, the studio has leaned heavily into Reeves’ legacy, branding them as “From the World of John Wick.”
Replacing him is not an option since his presence is still the beating heart of the franchise.
From Harrison Ford reprising Indiana Jones at 80, to Tom Cruise still clinging to planes in Mission: Impossible at 61, the film industry has increasingly relied on older stars to carry physically demanding roles.
As Hollywood continues to push aging action stars to their limits, Reeves’ request may signal a shift – finally giving John Wick a moment to breathe and showing that slowing down to honor an actor’s needs is a much-needed step.