Chad Stahelski talks about sequels, stunts being denied an Oscars platform, John Wick 5, and more

Following the release of a new poster for John Wick: Chapter 4, Chad Stahelski is opening up about sequels, stunts getting snubbed at the Oscars, and more. As a former stuntman-turned-filmmaker, Stahelski wears many hats. From managing the production company 87Eleven Entertainment in Manhattan Beach and 87Eleven Action Design in Inglewood to going behind the camera for three films in the John Wick franchise, Stahelski never sleeps. His Hollywood dance card is a mile long, with countless projects waiting in the wings, some of which he’s unsure how he got attached to them in the first place.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter about his career, Stahelski commented on how he thinks the John Wick franchise has managed to capture the interest of millions and cash significant checks in the process.

“If you had given me $200 million after the first movie, which we made for nothing, I would’ve mucked it up,” Stahelski told THR. “I’ve been part of so many second units and reshoots of big franchises, and they all go to shit. So, we watched the other franchises that threw money at just paying everybody more or on a couple bigger explosions. It’s great for the trailer, but there’s no meat on the bone. Then we decided to spend what extra money we got to go shoot in three or four countries and be very careful in our casting. I’m a huge Sergio Leone fan, and there’s not a movie he’s done where every little character isn’t great. That’s what I want.”

Stahelski also touched on the likelihood of making John Wick: Chapter 5, a project he’s not sure will happen anytime soon.

“In our minds, Keanu and I are done for the moment. We’re going to give John Wick a rest,” Stahelski confirmed to THR. “I’m sure the studio has a plan. If everyone loves it and it goes kooky, then we’ll take a quiet minute. Wicks always, for some weird reason, always get the latest release date in Japan. It’s always, like, three months later. If it’s the same this time, we’ll do a Japanese tour and release the movie in September. Keanu and I will take a long trip to Tokyo. We’ll sit in the Imperial Hotel Scotch Bar and go, “What do you think?” We’ll have a couple of 20-year-old whiskies and write some ideas on napkins. If those ideas stick, maybe we’ll make a movie.”

Say it isn’t so, Chad! The world needs Baba Yaga to keep kicking ass and giving us a reason to consume popcorn in mass quantities. Then again, I’m sure the John Wick franchise is all-consuming, and people need their rest. Thankfully, there’s the John Wick spinoff Ballerina starring Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves, and The Continental, a television event focusing on the haven for assassins.

Stahelski also spoke about there not being a stunt category at the Academy Awards, saying the chance for stunt people to be celebrated for their contribution to the industry is long overdue.

“There’s one for every other department but ours? That’s a no-brainer to me,” Stahelski said. “Truly, there are wives’ tales and rumors and myths about why there’s no category, that the Academy was mad at somebody about something. For all I know, that’s all bullshit. We want to be recognized because we’re one of the 11 main departments. We’re in every fucking trailer. Most movies are sold on what we do.”

Finally, you can check out the new John Wick: Chapter 4 poster below. The highly anticipated sequel opens in theaters on March 24, 2023. Will you be there for what might be Mr. Wick’s last solo mission for the foreseeable?