Keanu Reeves, the beloved action star known for his portrayal of the iconic assassin in the John Wick franchise, has expressed uncertainty about returning for a fifth instalment due to the physical toll of the role.
Promoting his role as the villain Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the 60-year-old actor spoke candidly in a recent interview about the challenges of reprising the demanding role.
“You can never say never, but my knees right now are saying, ‘You can’t do another John Wick,’” Reeves said, according to People magazine.
While Reeves expressed deep affection for the character, he admitted the rigorous physical requirements are becoming increasingly difficult. “So my heart wants to, but I don’t know if my knees can do it,” he added.
Despite the uncertainty, Reeves remains involved in the John Wick universe. He is set to appear in a cameo as the legendary hitman in the upcoming spinoff From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, due to hit theatres on 6 June. The film features Reeves alongside a new cast, including Cisely Saldivar and Ana de Armas.
The John Wick franchise, which began with the 2014 film, has grown into one of the most successful action series of all time.
The original movie introduced Reeves as a retired hitman seeking revenge for the death of his dog, captivating a global audience and amassing a loyal fanbase.
The series has since spawned three sequels and grossed over $1 billion worldwide, according to People magazine. Beyond the films, the John Wick universe has expanded to include a prequel series, The Continental, as well as video games and comic books.
As the franchise marks its 10th anniversary, co-director Chad Stahelski praised Reeves’ dedication and pivotal role in its success. “Could you have done John Wick without Keanu? No, not the way you see it,” Stahelski said in a recent interview.
Stahelski highlighted Reeves’ commitment, noting, “He is always the first to arrive and the last to leave.” David Leitch, the franchise’s co-director, echoed this sentiment, commending Reeves’ emotional depth in the role.
“There really is no other person that could play John Wick,” Leitch said. “He brings, obviously, the passion, the physicality, and there’s just this undeniable emotional quality to him, where you feel for him and he pulls at your heartstrings.”
Reeves’ performance has been central to the franchise’s enduring appeal, even as the actor contemplates whether his body can endure another instalment.
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