The first John Wick movie basically reinvented the action genre, featuring smooth camera work, in-your-face action, and a cast of imperfect heroes and villains.
John Wick was released on October 24, 2014 and led to becoming one of the most successful action film franchises with three sequels, multimedia adaptations, and even an upcoming spin-off film and television series (Credit: Summit Entertainment)
In a rare case, the franchise has arguably gotten better with each sequel, as the series expands with its unique world-building.
Now, after a few delays, John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to arrive in theaters, marking the beginning of the end for this incredible film franchise.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
As the story continues to grow more complex, let’s take a look at the cast of John Wick: Chapter 4 and meet some of the characters before the mayhem unfolds.
Keanu Reeves Continues a Legendary Performance
In both the universe of the film and cinematic history, John Wick has become a legendary assassin who’s next to none in terms of tactics, execution, and cool factor.
Keanu Reeves reprises his role as the titular character in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
He was a retired killer in the first film, unwillingly drawn back into the world of crime after a tragic attack.
In John Wick: Chapter 4, this humble hero looks to tear down the entire industry that built him up, targeting the mysterious “High Table,” who organize assassinations around the world.
Although the character is cool enough on his own, Keanu Reeves has basically played the part to perfection, revitalizing his career in the process and doubling down on his impact on cinema.
Keanu Reeves arriving in head-to-toe black at the premiere of John Wick: Chapter 4 held at Le Grand Rex in Paris, France on March 10, 2023 (Credit: David Niviere / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Of course, the 58-year-old actor already earned his spot in movie history when he portrayed the simulation-breaking hero Neo in 1999’s The Matrix.
Interestingly, despite the massive resurgence in fame that Keanu Reeves has had since John Wick came out in 2014, the actor is still as humble as ever.
Often seen happily interacting with fans and generally being a good person, Keanu is an exception in the world of celebrities.
Keanu Reeves greeting fans at the premiere of John Wick: Chapter 4 in Berlin, Germany, on March 8, 2023 (Credit: DDP / INSTARimages)
Recently, the actor has been living his best life, lending his voice and likeness to video games like Cyberpunk 2077 and tackling projects close to his heart.
Big New Villains Look to End an Era
No John Wick film would be complete without a crafty villain, and John Wick: Chapter 4 looks to deliver in spades.
The 32-year-old actor Bill Skarsgård is set to portray Marquis de Gramont, a mysterious young man who has worked his way to the upper ranks of the High Table.
Acting as a mirror to John Wick, Marquis de Gramont is a villain with equal motivation, determined to deliver his warped sense of justice and put an end to Wick’s destruction.
Bill Skarsgård as Marquis de Gramont in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
Coming from a family filled with talented actors, it’s no surprise that Bill Skarsgård is quickly becoming one of the most popular actors of this generation.
Although he was impressive in Divergent: Allegiant, where he made his American film debut, Skarsgård has been garnering more favor in recent years.
The actor has found a lot of success in horror films, and arguably had his big break when he portrayed the killer clown Pennywise in the IT films, based on the novel by Stephen King.
Donnie Yen as Caine in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
As a member of the High Table, Marquis de Gramont is seemingly accompanied by some powerful people, including a deft sword-wielding killer named Caine.
This blind but deadly assassin will be played by the extremely talented martial artist and actor Donnie Yen, who is still kicking ass at 59 years old.
Donnie Yen has no need to impress, having already proven his fighting skills in films like Ip Man, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, XXX: Return of Xander Cage, and more.
Friends Old and New Are Here to Help
John Wick: Chapter 4 will see the return of several fan-favorite supporting characters, along with a few new friends to aid in Wick’s quest for vengeance.
Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
Returning faces include the 61-year-old actor Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King, an elusive man who leads a network of informants in New York City.
We’re also thrilled to see Lance Reddick returning to the role of Charon, the concierge at the Continental Hotel’s New York City establishment.
Reddick was one of our favorite cast members in the 2008 sci-fi television show Fringe. Gamers will definitely recognize his distinct timbre, as he voiced Zavala in the popular Destiny 2 video game.
Lance Reddick as Charon and Ian McShane as Winston in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
New friends will pop up to help John Wick along his way, as well, including Shimazu, the manager of the Continental Hotel in Osaka, Japan.
Shimazu will be played by the 62-year-old actor Hiroyuki Sanada, who has become a prominent actor in both Japanese and American films.
Recently, Sanada has popped up in popular projects like Westworld Season 2 and Bullet Train, and he even portrayed the legendary ninja Hanzo Hisashi/Scorpion in the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie.
Rina Sawayama as Akira and Hiroyuki Sanada as Shimazu in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
The sequel will also see the expansion of John Wick’s family, revealing his adopted sister, Katia. 38-year-old actress Natalia Tena should be great in the role, as she has a solid track record of memorable characters.
Audiences will likely recognize her as Nymphadora Tonks from the Harry Potter films or as Osha in Game of Thrones. Either way, with familial ties to John Wick, Katia will surely be a force to be reckoned with.
Natalia Tena as Katia in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
The Future of John Wick
John Wick: Chapter 4 will be landing in theaters on March 24 this year, so you don’t have long to wait!
While the movie was delayed from May 21, 2021, to accommodate the release of The Matrix Resurrections, it doesn’t seem to have any big impact on the finished product.
Simply put, John Wick: Chapter 4 is destined to be a surefire hit, with each sequel pulling in more cash at the box office.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
You also won’t have to wait very long for the next installment, as John Wick: Chapter 5 is already in development. There are no official details yet, but it will act as the finale for the franchise and will likely be released in a few years.
We can’t wait to see what awaits John Wick as the series ramps up for its big and bloody finish.
Promotional art featuring Keanu Reeves as John Wick in the 2023 neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)