Director Chad Stahelski Felt Some Fear About Throwing Out The John Wick 'Formula' For Chapter 4

To think, it all started with a cute puppy. After nine years on the big screen, the "John Wick" franchise has only gotten bigger and better with every installment. The unlikely emotional story that first captivated audiences in 2014 has catapulted Keanu Reeves into a globe-trotting film series. "John Wick: Chapter 4" is only a few months out, and anticipation have never been higher. However, we should expect a somewhat different experience the fourth time around. "Chapter 4" may be the biggest installment yet, but it's throwing out the established "John Wick" formula along the way.

Despite that steep fall at the end of "John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum," John Wick is ready for more blood-soaked vengeance in "Chapter 4." The new film finds the eponymous character on the run with an even bigger bounty on his head as he makes his way up the High Table ladder, one bullet at a time. As the film's trailer suggests, John Wick will yet again come across a vast array of new characters and locations. But the series' singular man-on-the-run formula will be turned on its head, according to returning director Chad Stahelski. Instead, the fourth film will unfold across a larger canvas, weaving in several storylines at once.

In an interview with Empire, Chad Stahelski discussed the follow-up to his original "John Wick" trilogy and admitted he was worried about changing up the established formula with "Chapter 4," explaining:

"It gets a little scary after the third one. Because now we have a formula that works. But you have to throw caution to the wind and say, 'F*** it, we're not doing that again.' So now, on number four, we have multiple storylines. The movie feels different. It feels more epic."

Seeing as "Parabellum" is considerably larger than the first two "John Wick" films (John literally finds himself stranded in the Moroccan desert at one point), "Chapter 4" would have to be a significant leap, considering Stahelski's comment. The confirmed locations thus far include France, Jordan, and Japan, which supports the claim that we will be getting another globe-trotting adventure, but on a bigger scale and in varied locales. In other words, we're going to witness some of that patented "John Wick" action in a brand-new light. However, the added scenery also serves another important, more personal purpose. What grounds the "John Wick" franchise is at the heart of its protagonist, which will be further established with characters from his past in "Chapter 4."

In each film, world-building has been key to creating the rules of the law that John Wick not-so-carefully crosses on his blood-soaked path. Moreover, characters from John's past (and present) often shed light on his hitman life pre-puppy. Whether it's Sofia Al-Azwar (Halle Berry) or Marcus (Willem Dafoe), the franchise always finds a way to introduce big-name actors while expanding the world of "John Wick" in meaningful ways. At this point, it could be considered a formula in and of itself. "Chapter 4" promises to be no different, if not more revealing, when it comes to reflecting upon Wick's life.

In addition to some familiar faces, the legendary Donnie Yen will be making his "John Wick" debut in the fourth chapter as Caine, an old friend of Wick who shares a similar history. Both have sacrificed for those who they loved, even if it led them down different paths. And judging by the film's trailers, it's no surprise to see that "Chapter 4" will be taking advantage of Yen's martial arts prowess and making him an important part of the story. The franchise has a chance to examine Wick's life on a thematic level through a different, more complex lens.

Simply put, John Wick is the heart of the story, the grounding piece to an increasingly elevated drama, and he should stay that way despite the grander scale. But yes, Keanu Reeves flinging nunchucks at bad guys will also be pretty great and worth the price of admission. 

"John Wick: Chapter 4" hits theaters on March 24, 2023.