You’ve seen the trailers on YouTube. You know the ones—the slick, fan-made "concept trailers" featuring Robert Downey Jr. or Jason Statham staring down Keanu Reeves. They look real. They feel real. But here is the cold, hard truth: John Wick: Chapter 5 does not have a confirmed release date yet. If you’re looking for a specific Friday in 2026 to mark on your calendar, you won't find it. Not because of a cover-up, but because the movie is still in the "let’s get the script right" phase. Honestly, after the way Chapter 4 ended—with John seemingly finding peace under a headstone—Lionsgate and director Chad Stahelski are being incredibly careful. They aren't just going to "resurrect" him for a quick buck without a story that actually justifies it.
The 2026 Reality: Where We Actually Stand
So, when does John Wick come out if it’s not already scheduled? Well, there’s a massive difference between "in development" and "in production." Right now, the fifth installment is firmly in the development category.
Lionsgate confirmed at CinemaCon 2025 that Keanu Reeves is officially returning. That was the big hurdle. But the logistics are a nightmare. Stahelski is a busy guy; he’s currently juggling the Highlander reboot with Henry Cavill and a few other projects. He has stated repeatedly that he won't step behind the camera for Wick 5 until the story feels like a "reinvention" rather than just another sequel.
Most industry analysts, looking at the current 2026 landscape, suspect we might not see the Baba Yaga back in mainline action until late 2026 or even 2027.
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The Projects You’ll See First
While we wait for the main event, the "Wick-verse" is actually expanding faster than John can reload a Glock 17. You probably already know that Ballerina—the spin-off starring Ana de Armas—hit theaters in June 2025. It did decent numbers, but it was a prequel/side-story set between the third and fourth films.
Here is what is actually on the horizon for 2026 and beyond:
- The Donnie Yen / Caine Spin-off: This is the big one. Lionsgate confirmed at CinemaCon that Caine is getting his own movie. Donnie Yen is even directing it. Filming was rumored to start in late 2025, which makes a late 2026 release highly probable for this specific film.
- The Animated Prequel: This is a project Stahelski is particularly hyped about. It’s an anime-style feature that finally shows the "Impossible Task"—the night John earned his retirement by wiping out everyone the High Table told him to. Keanu is voicing the character here.
- John Wick: Under the High Table: This is a sequel series that picks up right after Chapter 4. It’s intended to look at the power vacuum left behind. Don't expect Keanu to lead this one, though; it's more about the world than the man.
Why the Delay is Actually a Good Thing
Basically, the creators are terrified of ruining the legacy. John Wick: Chapter 4 was a masterpiece of action cinema. It had a definitive ending. To bring him back, they have to navigate the fact that he’s supposed to be dead.
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Stahelski has teased that Chapter 5 won't be a direct continuation of the High Table war. He’s mentioned wanting to do something "really different." There’s even been wild fan speculation about John fighting his way through a metaphorical (or literal) hell, but the director seems more focused on a new narrative arc that doesn't just repeat the "retired guy gets mad" trope.
The Current Release Roadmap
If you’re trying to track the next time you can buy a ticket for a "Wick" movie, here is the most realistic timeline based on production schedules as of January 2026:
Late 2026 (Likely): The Caine spin-off starring Donnie Yen. Since this was further along in the scripting phase and has a director attached who works fast, this is the safest bet for the next theatrical release.
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2027 (Speculative): John Wick: Chapter 5. Even if they start filming tomorrow, the post-production on these movies is intense. The "gun-fu" choreography takes months of training for the actors and weeks of precision editing.
TBA 2026: The animated prequel could potentially drop on a streaming service or get a limited theatrical run. Animation timelines are flexible, but work has been happening in the background for over a year now.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Don't get fooled by "Official Trailer 2026" videos on social media that use AI-generated voices or clips from 47 Ronin. They are fake. Instead, here is how you can stay actually informed:
- Follow 87Eleven Entertainment: This is Stahelski’s production company. They are the heartbeat of the franchise. If they post a casting call or a "day one" photo, that’s when the clock officially starts.
- Watch the Trades: Keep an eye on The Hollywood Reporter or Deadline. If a movie is coming out in 2026, we will see "Principal Photography" reports by the spring.
- Check the Starz Schedule: The TV series Under the High Table is slated for their platform. This will likely be the first "new" content we get while the movies are in the oven.
The wait is annoying, sure. But wouldn't you rather wait three years for a masterpiece than six months for a mediocre cash-grab? The Table is still deliberating, and for now, John is earned his rest—at least for a few more months.