While many studios are weighing theatrical releases against streaming amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, Lionsgate has officially affirmed its unwavering commitment to the big screen. However, if you are a ‘John Wick’ fan, you may have to wait for one extra year for the return of the assassin.
‘John Wick 4‘ Delayed
‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ which is the next installment of Keanu Reeves’ highly popular action-movie franchise, has been delayed. The movie had a May 21, 2021 release date which has now been shifted to May 22, 2022.
The next installment in the franchise was announced shortly after ‘John Wick: Chapter 3’ opened in May 2019 to more than $50 million at the domestic box office.
The delay was caused as a result of a game of Hollywood musical chairs which was caused by theater closures and production delays, no thanks to the COVID-19 scourge.
This move from Lionsgate makes a lot of sense, considering the simple fact that Reeves is yet to finish production on ‘The Matrix 4’. The Warner Bros. action film was a few weeks, i.e. 4 weeks, into filming when production was halted over the coronavirus pandemic outbreak.
Stahelski’s Input
Chad Stahelski, ‘John Wick’ director, also affirmed the new release date for ‘Chapter 4.’
“‘The Matrix’ was only 4 weeks in when all this happened,” Stahelski said. “So, Keanu’s gotta go finish his commitment up on ‘The Matrix’, which is a big deal and which I think will probably take him until the end of the year. Then we have to go into our prep mode, and then we’ll start. So, release dates…who knows right now.”
Problem Solved for the Keanu Faithful
This movie release delay may have been a huge disappointment for fans of the retired assassin, it may, however, be a blessing in disguise. The Keanu faithful were placed in a dilemma over the choice of the project to go for because ‘John Wick Chapter 4’ was scheduled to be released on the same date that another Keanu project, ‘The Matrix 4’ was slated for.
‘The Matrix 4’ is a new chapter in Keanu Reeves’ other action franchise and will now go head to head against the horror film ‘Spiral’ from Lionsgate which is Chris Rock’s upcoming reboot of the ‘Saw’ series. The series was pulled off the calendar about two months ago for reasons that probably had to do with the rising coronavirus concerns.
The thriller ‘Antebellum’ which stars Janelle Monae is now scheduled to be released on August 21. The Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds sequel ‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’ has also been pushed back a year from August 2020 to August 20, 2021.
Lionsgate’s Chief Marketing Has This to Say
Lionsgate’s chief marketing officer and head of global distribution, Damon Wolf, has this to say: “As audiences from around the world head back to theaters, most will return feeling that specialness that only the traditional theatrical experience can offer.
“Lionsgate is thrilled to present such a wide variety of films with many more to come. From great branded IP to unique stories from new voices, the terrifying re-imagined and some truly hysterical comedy, we join with our partners in an exhibition in welcoming movie lovers back to their favorite theaters with something special for everyone.”
