Filming for John Wick 4 has finished, revealing the possible title and potential plot for the next chapter.
It is always great to hear about Keanu Reeves’ latest projects as they have been bringing hit after hit with twists, turns and surprises—like Reeves reprising their role as Neo in the upcoming film, The Matrix: Resurrections. Reports have indicated that shooting has wrapped up for his other big franchise film series with John Wick 4 and the title may be confirmed through one of the supporting cast members’ Instagram posts.
Actor, Shamier Anderson (Goliath, Invasion), recently posted some behind-the-scenes photos to their Instagram, which includes pictures taken with Reeves, Donnie Yen (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Mulan) and the director of the previous three John Wick films, Chad Stahelski. The picture from Anderson’s catalogue of photos that is most interesting is a bag that reads, “John Wick 4 Hagakure.”
Hagakure is a Japanese term referenced in The Book of the Samurai that roughly translates to either “In the Shadow of Leaves” or “Hidden Leaves.” The book was written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo and was popular during the 1930s. It was like a guide to the way of the samurai with teachings and accounts of real samurai warriors.
The John Wick world and the way of the samurai share one commonality: a code. The film series dives into so much of the structure and organization of the assassin/hitman underworld, along with the rules of the sacred grounds of the Continental hotels. We have seen John pushed to the brink of violating these rules for justice over following the rules. Another Japanese term that is known for juxtaposing the way of the samurai is “ronin.”
This would be ironic as Reeves starred in the 2013 film, 47 Ronin. Ronin is a term used for a samurai who has no master, either from their death, or the student has fled. John already acted like a “ronin” last film as his master figure, Winston (Ian McShane), had to “excommunicado” John for breaking the code. Perhaps, John Wick 4 will tackle this issue more and have to redeem himself to find his way back to the way of the samurai with the underworld organization.
What has been confirmed is that Anderson will be joining the returning cast of Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane and Lance Reddick. Some other notable actors added to the cast include Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Rina Sawayama, and Hiroyuki Sanada.
John Wick 4 is expected to be released May 27, 2022, but Reeves will be returning to kick some Agents and Sentinel butts in The Matrix Ressurections first, which hits theaters before Christmas on December 22, 2021.
