Keanu Reeves is everywhere, yet he’s also kind of a ghost. You see him on a red carpet with a bass guitar one day, and the next, he’s reportedly doing his own stunt driving for a movie that won't hit theaters for another two years.
People keep asking: "Is he done with John Wick?" or "What’s he actually working on?" Honestly, the narrative that he's just a "retired" action star is totally off-base. If you look closely at Keanu Reeves recent films, he’s actually entering the most bizarre, experimental phase of his entire career.
He isn't just reloading Glocks anymore. He's playing angels, voice-acting brooding hedgehogs, and finally—thankfully—returning to the weirdo comedy roots we haven't seen since the '90s.
The John Wick Dilemma: Handoffs and "Impossible Tasks"
Let's address the elephant in the room. Everyone thinks John Wick: Chapter 4 was the end because, well, we saw the headstone. But the "Wick-verse" is more alive than it's ever been.
Ballerina (2025)
This is the big one. It’s a spinoff starring Ana de Armas, but Keanu’s involvement is the real draw. He’s not just a five-second cameo; he reportedly filmed substantial action sequences to help "transfer the stewardship" of the franchise. Director Chad Stahelski actually admitted he was initially against Wick appearing here, but the studio felt the movie needed that "fighting chance."
It’s a prequel-adjacent story set between chapters three and four. Basically, if you wanted to see Keanu back in the suit without undoing the emotional weight of his "death," this is how they’re doing it.
John Wick 5 and the Anime
As of early 2026, John Wick 5 is officially in development. It’s a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? Even Keanu told EW he felt it was "right" for John to find peace. But Lionsgate boss Adam Fogelson has made it clear: they won't do it unless it’s "phenomenal."
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While we wait for a script that makes sense, an anime prequel is also in the works. It covers the "Impossible Task"—the legendary night that allowed John to retire for love in the first place.
Beyond the Gun-Fu: The Comedy Comeback
This is where things get interesting. If you’ve only watched Keanu since 2014, you might forget he’s actually a funny guy. Like, genuinely weird and charming.
- Good Fortune (2025): Directed by Aziz Ansari. Keanu plays a literal angel named Gabriel. Yes, you read that right. He wears a white robe and wings. It’s a supernatural comedy that also stars Seth Rogen. This isn't "Internet Boyfriend" Keanu; it’s "Surreal Comedy" Keanu.
- Outcome (2026): This is a Jonah Hill production for Apple Studios. Keanu plays "Reef," a washed-up Hollywood star being blackmailed over a dark video from his past. Early reports from people like Roy Wood Jr. say Keanu doesn't throw a single punch. It’s pure character work.
It’s refreshing. We’re finally getting the actor back, not just the action figure.
The Voice of a Generation (of Gamers)
If you haven't heard, Keanu is officially Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Usually, when a big star does voice work, they phone it in. Not this guy. He reportedly treated the recording booth like a John Wick set. Jim Carrey even joked about the "intense" energy Keanu brought to the character. For a lot of younger fans, this is their entry point into his filmography. He’s playing Shadow as a "sympathetic, brooding darkness," which is basically his specialty at this point.
Is Constantine 2 Actually Happening?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It’s complicated.
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The sequel to the 2005 cult classic is currently in the "Elseworlds" bucket at DC. This means it’s not part of the main James Gunn universe, giving Keanu and director Francis Lawrence the freedom to make it R-rated and grimy. The script by Akiva Goldsman is finished, but production has been a moving target.
By 2026, the buzz is that they are aiming for a 2027 or 2028 release. It’s a passion project. Keanu has been pestering Warner Bros. about this for a decade. He’s 60 now, and he knows this is likely his last shot at the character.
BRZRKR: The Ultimate Vanity Project (In a Good Way)
Most people don't realize Keanu wrote a comic book. A very successful one. BRZRKR is about an immortal warrior who has been fighting for 80,000 years.
Netflix is turning it into a massive franchise:
- A Live-Action Film: Directed by Justin Lin (Fast & Furious).
- An Anime Series: To expand the lore.
Keanu is starring in both. It’s his own IP. It’s bloody, existential, and feels like a mix of The Matrix and Highlander. If you’re looking for where his "action" energy is going next, it’s here.
What to Watch and When
Tracking Keanu Reeves recent films can be a headache because of how many "in development" projects he has. Here is the realistic timeline for what’s actually hitting your screen.
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Available Now / Late 2025
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Voice of Shadow)
- Good Fortune (The Angel Gabriel comedy)
- Ballerina (The John Wick spinoff)
Expected 2026 and Beyond
- Outcome (The Jonah Hill dark comedy)
- The Entertainment System Is Down (A satirical disaster movie by Ruben Östlund)
- BRZRKR (Netflix live-action film)
- Constantine 2 (Development phase)
What You Should Do Next
If you want to keep up with Keanu without the clickbait, stop looking for "John Wick 5" trailers on YouTube—most of them are AI-generated fakes. Instead, follow the production updates from Lionsgate and Apple Original Films.
If you’re a fan of his action work, go read the BRZRKR comics now. They provide the best blueprint for what his next five years of movies will look like. He’s moving away from being a "hired gun" and toward producing his own stories. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way for him to stay the king of Hollywood while actually getting to sleep occasionally.
Actionable Insight: To see the "new" Keanu, skip the action reruns and look for Good Fortune. It’s the clearest indicator that he’s finished with being the stoic hitman and is ready to have some fun again.