Chad Stahelski Reveals Why He Was Against Keanu Reeves Returning in Ballerina

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The universe of John Wick grows with the debut of the spinoff film Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas’ Eve Mazar as she embarks on a vengeful journey. Despite being primarily Eve’s movie, set to release in 2025, it also brings back Keanu Reeves as the enigmatic Baba Yaga. Though fans were thrilled at the prospect of seeing Reeves revisit his iconic character, director Chad Stahelski initially didn’t want him involved. This raises questions about why he ultimately returned to the franchise.

Chad Stahelski, who has directed all four John Wick films and produced the series, is well-versed in the intricacies of this popular franchise. Given his extensive involvement, Stahelski isn’t hesitant to express his views on aspects he isn’t overly fond of. In an interview with THR, Stahelski clarified that he wasn’t particularly keen on John Wick appearing in the latest storyline. Although he didn’t elaborate on his reasons, he was open about the potential advantages of including the character: John Wick producer Chad Stahelski admits he wasn’t a fan of the character’s involvement in the new storyline, while acknowledging the benefits it could bring.

Originally, that scene wasn’t part of the initial plan for the script. To be upfront, I had some reservations initially. However, upon reflection, I could see the advantage and we wanted to support director Len Wiseman. After all, John Wick 4 was a massive success, and it wouldn’t have been feasible for him to revert to the original John Wick’s $18 million indie model. To remain competitive in the same market, we felt it was crucial to provide him with a solid foundation. So, from the studio’s perspective, the most practical way to achieve this was by incorporating Wick into Ballerina within a unique timeline.

In essence, it’s plausible that Lionsgate is attempting to introduce a new character, Eve, more effectively by featuring John Wick in a supporting role in the latest film, thus boosting the spinoff. However, it remains unclear why the producers might have had reservations about incorporating Wick into the storyline. Perhaps they feared that the renowned assassin could overshadow Eve, but I believe Wick’s presence doesn’t significantly diminish Eve’s spotlight.

More on Ballerina

Review of Ballerina: Having Low Expectations Helps Meet High Franchise Standards for John Wick Spinoff

A review of the movie “Ballerina” suggests that having low expectations can help meet the high standards set by the John Wick franchise when it comes to its spinoff.

The ballet movie might cause some disruption to the plotline of John Wick, but it’s tough to argue against the incredible impact its storytelling has. In essence, John Wick makes brief appearances in the film, with his first scene being more intimate and personal. As hinted by the trailers and promotional materials, there will be a significant confrontation between John Wick and Eve that promises to make the movie an exciting watch, making the ticket price worth every penny.

While it’s true Keanu Reeves is back for this new spinoff, it doesn’t guarantee his presence in other related projects. As Chad Stahelski clarified to THR, Reeves won’t be seen in the movie centered around Donnie Yen‘s Caine. Stahelski shared why he’s not concerned about the franchise’s main character missing out on that film: he’s confident in the story they’re telling.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on the Donny Yen spinoff – it’s not the same as John Wick, but it doesn’t need to be. This film is all about Donny Yen, and it pays homage to the grandeur of classic kung fu flicks. If you recall, John Wick 1 was a nod to the tough-as-nails personas of Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin, then consider this as a tribute to the iconic figures like Chow Yun-fat, John Woo, and Wong Kar-wai within the realm of kung fu cinema. So, while it may not be exactly like John Wick, it’s certainly a love letter to the sub-genre that we all hold dear.

Regardless, there’s some positive news for fans eagerly waiting for John Wick’s return: This year, a fifth installment of the popular franchise, titled “John Wick: Chapter 5“, was officially confirmed! Although director Chad Stahelski cautions that things might change, he’s optimistic that Lionsgate will make it happen. I can hardly wait to see more of John Wick, but I also hope other characters like Eve and Caine find their own paths and shine independently. In the meantime, catch “Ballerina” in cinemas, and stay tuned for upcoming action films.

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2025-06-08 19:08