John Wick is a legendary character in the world of action movies. He is played by Keanu Reeves and is a retired hitman who is forced to return to his violent life after the death of his beloved dog, given to him by his recently deceased wife. The John Wick franchise has become one of the most successful and popular action film series of all time. So far, four movies have been released and more projects are in the works. In this article, we will examine the reasons behind the success of the John Wick series and find out what makes the films so appealing to audiences around the world.

The first film: a surprise hit

The first John Wick movie was released in 2014, directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch. "John Wick" was a surprise hit and grossed over $88 million worldwide. It tells the story of John Wick, a former hit man who is pulled back into the violent world of his past when a group of Russian gangsters break into his home. They steal his beloved car and kill his dog, which was the last gift from his wife, who recently passed away. The plot is simple but effective, as it presents the character of John Wick as a man who has lost everything and has nothing left to lose.

The success of the first film can be attributed to a number of factors. First and foremost, the film's action scenes are some of the best ever shot. The fight choreography is incredibly well done and the use of practical effects instead of CGI makes the action seem even more real and alive. The film also benefits from Keanu Reeves' performance as John Wick. Reeves is a beloved actor who has starred in some of the most iconic films of all time, includingThe Matrix andSpeed.

The John Wick Sequels: Building on the Success

Following the success of the first film, three sequels were released, "John Wick: Chapter 2" in 2017, "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" in 2019, and "John Wick: Chapter 4" in 2023. These films were also commercial successes, grossing first over $171 million, then over $326 million worldwide, and "John Wick 4" currently looks set to top those steadily rising numbers with its record opening.

The sequels build on the success of the first film with even more elaborate action scenes and an expanded world. In "John Wick 2," John Wick is once again forced to come out of retirement to pay off his debt to an Italian mob boss. The film also introduces new characters, including a rival hitman named Cassian, played by U.S. rapper Common.

"John Wick 3: Parabellum" goes even further, with John Wick on the run from all the hit men in the world after being declared "excommunicated" by the High Chamber, the governing body of the hit man guild. The film features some of the most elaborate action scenes in the series, including a thrilling fight sequence in a glass-enclosed room and a horseback chase through the streets of New York City.

"John Wick 4" features the most action yet, with a whopping 2 hours and 49 minutes of running time. The journey takes him from New York via Osaka and Berlin to Paris. It's up to John to secure a place in a family of killers again to be able to fight for his freedom in a final duel with the High Chamber representative Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård).

What makes John Wick so appealing?

The John Wick series has become incredibly popular for several reasons. First and foremost, the action scenes in the films are some of the best ever captured on film. The fight choreography is incredibly well done and the use of practical effects instead of CGI makes the action seem more real.

Another reason for the success is the world-building. The John Wick films are set in a world of hitmen with a complex and intricate system of rules and hierarchies. This world is presented to the audience in a way that is both captivating and entertaining, making viewers eager to learn more about the world and the characters that inhabit it.

Besides, the series boasts an excellent cast: In addition to recurring characters like Ian McShane as Winston, Laurence Fishburne as Bowery King or the recently deceased Lance Reddick as Charon, we see Willem Dafoe, Halle Berry, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgard, Angelica Huston, Alfie Owen-Allen, Ruby Rose, Scott Adkins, Peter Stormare and many other well-known acting greats more in fascinating supporting roles....

But perhaps the most important reason for the franchise's appeal is Keanu Reeves himself. Reeves has become one of Hollywood's most beloved actors, and his portrayal of John Wick has only reinforced that status. Reeves brings a physicality and intensity to the role that is rare in action films. Reeves has also become something of a cultural icon, as fans around the world are taken with his laid-back demeanor and off-screen kindness. The actor has been praised for his generosity, both with his time and his money. His humble and gracious demeanor has earned him many fans.

The future of the franchise

With four films already released, the future of the John Wick series looks bright. Fans are already eagerly waiting for more stories from the franchise. In addition to the movies, the John Wick series has also spawned a number of spin-off projects, including a comic book series, a video game, a movie called "Ballerina" starring Ana de Armas, and a prequel series centered around young Winston and Charon and the creation of the"Continental." These spin-offs help expand the world of John Wick and continue to keep fans hooked.

The John Wick series has become one of the most popular action film series of all time thanks to the thrilling action scenes, complex world and iconic performance of Keanu Reeves as John Wick. Thanks to the spin-offs, fans of the series can look forward to many new stories in the coming years - even though most are probably waiting for "John Wick 5" above all. The end of the fourth part has at least triggered many discussions about what a "John Wick: Chapter 5" might look like. We are curious to see what the future holds for Keanu Reeves and us.

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