John Wick director Chad Stahelski has listed eight stars he wants to see in future films in the franchise. While John Wick: Chapter 4 could act as the end of John Wick's story, there are a plethora of spinoffs in development that will be released in the coming years. This includes the three-part miniseries The Continental featuring Mel Gibson in September 2023, as well as Ballerina starring Ana de Armas, which will be released in June 2024.
Speaking with future projects in the John Wick universe. He expresses his interest in working with stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Peter Dinklage among many others he could see ing John's world of assassins. Check out what Stahelski had to say below:
There's a huge list, but just the first thing that came to mindset was Cillian Murphy. I'm a big 'Peaky Blinders' fan. So, you know, I just think Cillian would fit right in. Colin Farrell is fantastic. Charlize Theron when she did 'Atomic Blonde,' I saw that went, ‘Oh my God, I gotta work with this woman. She's awesome. I worked with Michelle Yeoh way back on a commercial years ago, and I've been dying to work with her ever since. I'm such a huge fan.
Funnily enough, after 'Lovecraft Country' came out Jurnee Smollett was one. These are people that just for some reason click in my head of fitting in the world. And that's always good.
There's a lot, I mean, there are so many great people out there, man. If Robert Downey happened to sit in my chair right here, I'd figure that one out. Peter Dinklage, I was a huge fan of his in 'Game of Thrones.' Sean Bean. Some of those guys I think are magical. I’d die for a chance with any of those people.
Additionally, in a previous interview with SR, Stahelski added more names to his John Wick dream casting list, including Jackie Chan and Jet Li:
So many people. So many! Keanu and I have a whole board of people we'd love to work with. If you told me Cillian Murphy was going to be in a John Wick movie, I'd be like, "Oh my God!" If you told me Jackie Chan or Jet Li, or Jason Statham? If you said Stallone was going to make a cameo! I'm a little bit old school, so the dream list is, "Clint Eastwood is going to make an appearance." Christian Bale, Chris Hemsworth, or Hugh Jackman; Matt Damon and all these people that I love.
We're friends with Jason Momoa, and I can't imagine a better enticement than Jason Momoa coming in and giving you that look! Like, come on. These are all people we'd love to [work with]. Whether that's in John Wick or another project, I'm a fanboy just like everybody else. If I could work with those people, I would.
Why The John Wick Universe Is Perfect For Expanding
There are already major plans to expand the John Wick franchise beyond The Continental and Ballerina. The ideas of possible spinoffs including characters like Akira, Caine, and the Bowery King have been mentioned by producer Erica Lee since the release of John Wick: Chapter 4. In addition to these discussions is a secret John Wick universe film that is currently in development, with an official announcement expected sometime soon.
Because of how expansive the John Wick universe has proven itself to be, there's plenty of room for stars like Farrell, Theron, and Dinklage to be incorporated into the ever-expanding franchise. Just because they are major actors doesn't mean they would all need to star in their own films either. Ballerina will feature Gabriel Byrne and Norman Reedus in undisclosed roles, with both seasoned actors not taking the spotlight away from de Armas.
As the John Wick franchise expands, it's likely that more big-name actors will become involved in different projects throughout the series' universe. With actors like Downey Jr. and Theron in particular accustomed to action-packed roles, either could star in a film featuring plenty of stunts and creative kills. With a multitude of films planned for the John Wick universe's future, there's no telling who might show up in any of them.
Source: The Direct
