This week, Lionsgate confirmed that a sequel to the critically-acclaimed thriller ‘John Wick’ is already in the works and actor Keanu Reeves is set to take on the leading role once more.
To be released through Lionsgate’s Summit, ‘John Wick 2’ will be directed by David Leitch and Chad Stahelski. Basil Iwanyk from Thunder Road will be producing the movie.
“With such tremendous fan and critical support for ‘John Wick,’ we knew that there was still so much more of this story to tell,”Jason Constantine, President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, stated. “We are thrilled that Keanu, David and Chad have re-teamed with us and promise to bring audiences even more excitement the second time around.”
Although only a $20 million budget was allocated to the first movie, ‘John Wick’ made a total overhaul of over $78 million at the international box office.
“In the follow up to last year’s adrenaline-fueled revenge and redemption thriller, legendary hit man John Wick is back,” the second installment’s initial plot synopsis stated.
Jason Constantine and Eda Kowan from Lionsgate will take over the project while Lionsgate International will be selling international distribution rights to the movie at the upcoming Cannes Film Market.
While plot details have not been announced, Stahelski previously discussed a possible approach to the second installment.
“We have ideas for days and without blinking twice we know we can outdo the action from the original,” the director explained. “We want to make sure we have a story and a character that everybody loves and then we’ll dress it with action that we promise will be awesome.”
Furthermore, the pair of directors praised Reeves for his performance and claimed that people who get to collaborate with the actor for over a decade is likely to have a really “cool career.”
The story of the first ‘John Wick’ focused on a retired hitman who sought revenge for his beagle puppy’s death. The dog was given to him as a gift by his deceased wife.
After debuting at the box office, the film proved to be a success and obtained major critical acclaim owing to its unique style of tackling humanity. It also appealed to fans of actions scenes as the movie featured several impressive action sequences, including a gun fu technique that is often used in Hong Kong films.
Aside from Reeves, other cast members of ‘John Wick’ included Willem Dafoe, John Leguizamo, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Adrianne Palicki, Bridget Moynahan, Dean Winters and Ian McShane. Announcements are yet to be made as to whether these actos will reprise their roles.
