John Wick: Chapter 4 has been released to unprecedentedly positive responses from audiences and critics alike. The fourth installment in the Keanu Reeves-led franchise had a historic performance at the box office and on critics’ charts for an action-thriller, leading to a record-breaking domestic opening and being called the most excellent action film in the last ten years. The praises for the film’s action choreography and Reeves’ heartfelt acting work are continuously coming in, with director Chad Stahelski delivering on his promise of offering the audience a largely afresh and unique Keanu adventure.
After such promising feedback from several territories, John Wick: Chapter 4 has become a surprise hit in Russia. The film surpassed the third film in the franchise to earn $4.3M on its debut in theaters there, which added to its total worldwide opening of $137.5M. Earlier last year, the film American film industry pulled the plug on the Russian market after the country’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. As part of sanctions on the country, the major Hollywood studios refused to screen their films there, beginning with Disney’s Turning Red and Warner Bros’ The Batman.
Per Deadline, the film got a theatrical release in Russia because of prior contracts, as told to them by Lionsgate Motion Picture chair Joe Drake. In his statement to Deadline, he said,
“We had prior contracts. We had obligations to meet. As part of meeting those obligations, we did extensive research that there were non-sanctioned parties involved. There were a number of steps that we needed to take. We felt comfortable in delivering the movie and consulted talent.”
Lionsgate had sold the rights for a theatrical release in Russia before the sanctions against the country were put in place. In the case of John Wick: Chapter 4, a Maltese company called Unicorn Media Limited oversaw the release and marketing of the action sequel in the territory. The movie was released only after Lionsgate worked with the U.S. State Department to figure out which companies are non-sanctioned and thus could execute the process. Lionsgate has also paved a path for films like Shotgun Wedding, Plane, and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre through other firms. However, is is not clear that the studio has an agreement for its other prominent tentpole releases coming this year.
Deadline further reported that despite the sanctions, several Hollywood films’ pirated versions have made it to theaters there. This includes the likes of Avatar: The Way of Water, leading to a profitable market for theatres and screens in Russia, even after a significant boycott. Since the sanctions on Russia continue to be imposed, it’s unlikely that Lionsgate will enter into a new agreement for the films yet to release this year.
John Wick: Chapter 4 is currently running in theaters and has proven to be this year’s biggest hit. Now holding a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is regarded as the most successful action-thriller in a long time.