Hey Yo, Draven here.
One of the most satisfying and surprising films from last year was JOHN WICK. I know I’m not alone on this and so there have been rumors and speculation from the beginning about a sequel (it also helps that it made about $80 million worldwide on a budget of $20 million). Keanu Reeves has talked about it, directors John Leitch and Chad Stahelski have talked about it. It’s now official though, Lionsgate has confirmed that JOHN WICK 2 will happen with Reeves, Leitch, Stahelski and the screenwriter of the first film, Derek Kolstad all returning. Here is the press release:
SANTA MONICA, Calif, May 4, 2015 – Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) has confirmed plans to produce a sequel to 2014’s critically-acclaimed breakout hit “JOHN WICK,” it was announced today by Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger, Co-Chairmen of the Theatrical Motion Pictures Group. Keanu Reeves along with directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski as well as screenwriter, Derek Kolstad are set to return for the sequel. The film will be released through Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment and will be produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk, who produced the first film.
In the follow up to last year’s adrenaline-fueled revenge and redemption thriller, legendary hit man John Wick is back.
“With such tremendous fan and critical support for ‘John Wick,’ we knew that there was still so much more of this story to tell,” said Jason Constantine, President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions. “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.”
Jason Constantine and Eda Kowan at Lionsgate will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Lionsgate International will be selling the picture internationally at the upcoming Cannes Film Market.
This is excellent news as it’s very rare for a film that was a little bit of an unexpected success, to have almost all of the creative talent behind it, return for the sequel. I just hope they can avoid the idea that they have to go bigger for the sequel or set up the world we were dropped into in the first film. Just continue to build on the elements that made the first film a success and not the formula that seems to be what many believe an action sequel has to follow. With everybody returning though, my money is on them pulling it off.
Send me your hate mail here.
And/or follow me on Twitter here!
