Summary

  • John Wick 5 confirmed with Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski returning, Ian McShane likely to reprise his role.
  • McShane expressed willingness to return on condition he is still alive, showing appreciation for his role.
  • John Wick 5 storyline to take new direction post-John settling issues, McShane's character key to plot.

Fans rejoiced at the news that John Wick 5 was definitely happening, with Keanu Reeves set to return as the titular hero, with Chad Stahelski on board to direct once again. There haven't been any other casting announcements just yet, but Ian McShane, who plays Winston Scott in the popular action franchise, has confirmed he'd be up for returning.

Ian McShane has appeared in all four John Wick adventures thus far, and he'll also make an appearance in the upcoming spin-off, Ballerina, which is set to be released in the US on June 6, 2025. Ana de Armas will reprise her role as the ballerina turned assassin, and it'll be set in between the events of the third and fourth John Wick movies. Ian McShane's return in John Wick 5 is very likely, but the veteran actor has stipulated that it will only happen on one condition.

john-wick
John Wick 5’s Early Plot Details Tease A Concerning Change For His Character

Details about John Wick 5 have now emerged, which might have some fans worried about a big change.

1

Ian McShane Would Be Up For A Return In John Wick 5 If He's Still Alive

intro-1682014395 (1)

Rumors of a fifth entry in the John Wick franchise had been circulating for a while, despite Keanu Reeves' iconic character supposedly dying at the end of the last movie. The news was made official at last month's Lionsgate presentation at Cinema Con, and it was met with excitement from the loyal fanbase. In a recent interview with comicbook.com, Ian McShane was asked if he'd be back for another action-filled entry in the long-running saga:

If I’m still around, that would be a very nice thing.

McShane is 82 years old, and it sounds like he doesn't take his life for granted, but he'd clearly be delighted to return to one of the best roles of his long and varied career if he's still alive and kicking. John Wick 5 is set to go in a new direction now that the eponymous hitman has settled his issues with the high table. However, McShane's character, Winston Scott, is vital to the story, with his strong links to John Wick. Not to mention, seen as WIck has now been confirmed to be alive, Winston is one of only two people who know the truth. Charon was with Winston as John Wick was laid to rest at the end of John Wick 4, but sadly, Lance Reddick, who portrayed the character, passed away in 2023. Reddick's final ever appearance will be in Ballerina, alongside McShane, but he'll be sadly missed in the upcoming fourth sequel.

McShane further added to speculation that he would be returning in John Wick 5, when he spoke warmly about his experience working on the action franchise:

I’ve loved it so far. It’s been a great, great 11 years. And, and as I said, it’s sort of like a family because we have the same director, same photographer, much the same actors with editions down again. But yeah, it’s been a it’s been a good trip so far.

It's hard to imagine a John Wick movie without Ian McShane, and with the character still alive, there is no reason why he couldn't return. McShane clearly appreciates the family environment on set, and if he's asked to come back, he'd surely say yes. After Ballerina, McShane's next role will be in Tom Kingsley's crime comedy, Deep Cover. As for the John Wick franchise, it's expanding even further with another spin-off featuring Donnie Yen's character, Caine. Sadly, the prequel series, The Continental won't be exploring Winston's backstory any further, with season 2 officially off the cards. Here's hoping future Winston adventures will feature in John Wick 5 instead.

keanu reeves as john wick in john wick, scorn wick alternative title
John Wick Director Reveals Original Plan, Title For The Movie And It Was Very Different From What Was Released

The John Wick director recounted his impression when he saw the first draft of the first film.

Source: Comicbook.com