We’ve all heard of the phrase “The end of one chapter is the beginning of the next” – or at least some variation of that, and this certainly applies to movies.
Here’s everything you need to know about upcoming sequels for two major franchises. Grab your popcorn!
Keanu Reeves Confirmed For “John Wick 5,” But Will Move Away From High Table
Following the shocking news that “John Wick” is back for the fifth time, many were rightly confused, as we were well aware that the legendary hitman was put to rest in the previous installment. Fans, however, are still sincerely interested in delving deeper into the world of assassins. This is especially true now that there has been no announcement regarding the plot or the fact that Keanu Reeves was never officially confirmed to return to the title role until now.
After weeks of silence, the director of the film, Chad Stahelski, is finally revealing what he has been cooking behind the scenes for this sudden but welcomed sequel. According to the director, the story is a continuation of the saga — everything included in the fourth movie, namely the character’s hard-fought peaceful end. Of course, it is confirmed that Keanu will return for the role, which is incredibly weird.
In an interview with EMPIRE, Stahelski elaborated on his vision; he acknowledged the character’s death and how his story has been wrapped up with a neat little bow. But he went on to say that he wanted to make a movie that is separated from the High Table, without letting go of the key elements that made the franchise so popular.
“The saga of John Wick was pretty wrapped up. So the only way to do a 5 is to have a new story that involves John Wick,” said Stahelski. “It’s not a continuation with the High Table. John dealt with his grief. It will be really different, and everybody [will] see the trailer and go, ‘Holy fuck… I gotta see that.’”
Of course, to say that the plot and idea are weird is putting it mildly — we did see John die from his wounds in his quest for freedom. This inadvertently raises more questions than it answers, namely, how does he come back from the dead, and what will he do now? This move also raises some greater concerns for the franchise, as many are worried that this will ruin the gut-wrenching conclusion we witnessed in favour of more cash. Thus, many are hoping that this coming film will not only do the character justice but also all those who have worked on the previous entries as well. Stahelski did address this in his latest response, essentially stating that the death was more metaphorical rather than literal, symbolising more of a rebirth for Wick. What you make of that explanation is up to you.
What we are sure isn’t metaphorical is the continuation of the “John Wick” franchise in terms of stories. Focusing more on fan-favourite characters and even new ones such as Donnie Yen’s Caine (which is also in the works) and the soon-to-be-released “From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina”, respectively. Stahelski is out there reassuring skeptical fans, but we can only be certain that is the right path for the legendary assassin when we see Wick in action once again on the big screen.
“The Conjuring: The Last Rites” Sets The Franchise’s Phase Two
After 10 long and terrifying years, Ed and Lorraine Warren are finally closing their doors with the upcoming film “The Conjuring: Last Rites”. And what better way to get us amped up for the “darkest chapter” yet than with this newly posted featurette?
However, don’t be disheartened, horror fans. This movie isn’t marking the end of the franchise as a whole; rather, it is simply letting go of the familiar faces that have stuck with us through all the scares in the last decade. If this was the Avengers saga, think of it as the end of Phase One.
Of course, saying that each chapter is far worse than the last can only get you so far, a fact that director Michael Chaves is painfully aware of when discussing the film with Entertainment Weekly. As they were developing the storyline for the film, they even landed an “Avengers: Endgame”-level reunion to cement the fact that this is the end of the line and that they have to go all out. However, thankfully, the filmmaker decided to pivot the story, attacking something far more personal as they delve into the infamous Smurl Haunting.
For those who are not familiar with the case, the Smurl haunting is the term used to describe the allegations made by Jack and Janet Smurl of West Pittston, Pennsylvania, in the United States, that a demon lived in their home from 1974 to 1989; the notoriety of the case gained both the family and house nationwide media attention. It was alleged that the paranormal activities ranged from loud noises and foul stenches to pushing one of the Smurl daughters down the stairs to even physically and sexually assaulting members of the family.
Being their last time together, Vera Farmiga (Lorraine Warren) and Patrick Wilson (Ed Warren) couldn’t help but feel emotional about their final installment together, reflecting on how they’ve grown with the franchise over the previous decade and how it has been a gift to be a part of the film. Patrick himself can’t believe that the franchise is over, saying that the franchise “meant the world” to him.
Starring alongside the dynamic duo will be Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Beau Gadsdon, Tilly Walker, Molly Cartwright, Peter Wight, and Kate Fahy. This franchise will be the 9th instalment in the franchise and is the penultimate chapter of the series’ phase one, setting the stage up for phase two.
Sources: Entertainment Weekly, Screen Rant, EMPIRE
