In the words of John Wick himself: “Yeah… I’m thinkin’ I’m back!”
There’s been rumblings about it for months now but now it’s been officially announced that a sequel to hitman actioner John Wick is on the way.
In an official press release, Lionsgate announces the return of Keanu Reeves in John Wick 2 (although whether it’s actually titled that and not something more elaborate remains to be seen). Directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski are also set to return, as is screenwriter Derek Kolstad.
Here’s the official press release:
LIONSGATE RELOADS “JOHN WICK 2”
Keanu Reeves, Directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski ReturnSANTA 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.
Few films over the last few years – probably not since The Raid and its sequel – have kicked as much ass as the first John Wick, providing some seriously stunning choreographed fight sequences and thrilling shootouts. I couldn’t be happier that they’re bringing the character back for a sequel, not just because of the potential for more of that action but in the hopes that it can capitalize on the hitman criminal underworld only hinted at in the first one.
On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you for John Wick 2? (Hint: The answer is 11).
Source: Lionsgate (via SlashFilm)