To say that what this franchise has achieved is spectacular can be an understatement. When the primary “John Wick” got here out, Keanu Reeves’ finest days have been seemingly behind him, with “The Matrix” trilogy a distant reminiscence. He was struggling simply to get calls from studios for large films. That’s when the film’s script got here throughout his desk and adjusted the whole lot. It’s much more noteworthy once we think about that the directing duo of Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, who co-helmed the primary installment, had by no means made a function earlier than. They have been longtime stuntmen who lastly acquired the prospect to step as much as the plate. They did not waste their shot.
Lionsgate did not come aboard to distribute the movie till the eleventh hour, and even that wasn’t a surefire recipe for achievement. But the film spoke for itself and, consequently, its status grew by orders of magnitude on house video. That’s why “Chapter 2” was in a position to turn into the uncommon breakout success. All informed, the primary 4 “John Wick” movies have been made on a mixed funds of $210 million. To put it one other method, Lionsgate has earned almost 5 instances that on the field workplace — to not point out what they’ve pulled in from Blu-ray gross sales, cable rights, and different income streams. It’s turn into a real money cow for them. This $1 billion milestone serves as a little bit of a victory lap.
Looking forward, a spin-off starring Ana de Armas titled “Ballerina” is on the way in which, in addition to the prequel occasion collection “The Continental,” which is ready to stream on Peacock later this 12 months. Beyond that? Things stay a bit unsure, however relaxation assured, Lionsgate will attempt to capitalize on the “John Wick” model for so long as they probably can.