John Wick franchise shows strength without Keanu Reeves

The John Wick franchise shows promise for a future without its lead character.

John Wick franchise proves it can thrive without Keanu Reeves

The John Wick franchise has taken a bold step by developing the spinoff film Ballerina, which hints at a post-Keanu Reeves era. The film, set between the third and fourth installments, showcases Ana de Armas as Eve Maccaro, a character with the potential to lead the series forward. Though Ballerina has not reached the expected box office figures, its performance is respectable in comparison to the original John Wick. Current trends suggest that if Lionsgate can foster Eve's character, John Wick's story can stay closed while maintaining franchise success.

Shifting focus to a new lead like Eve Maccaro offers fresh possibilities for the John Wick universe. The success of Ballerina may indicate that audiences are ready to embrace a different kind of action hero, one who brings emotional depth and unique combat styles. Ana de Armas' strong performance has positioned her well to carry the franchise, potentially allowing the John Wick character to remain in the background while the series expands. This transition reflects a broader trend in cinema, where studios seek to evolve existing franchises rather than stick to their original stars at all costs.

Highlights

The John Wick franchise may be entering an exciting new chapter.