Yeah, we’re thinking he’s back.
We’re talking about John Wick, the hitman who took everyone by surprise when his first film was released in 2014. Sneaking up on audiences as stealthily as its titular character approaches a target, the movie became a modest box office success before gaining a huge fandom on DVD and Blu-ray. This growth in popularity was reflected by the fact that John Wick: Chapter 2 literally doubled the box office take of the first movie – which means attention has immediately focused on a third film: John Wick: Chapter 3.
Set to deliver a “neat completion” to the saga, after Keanu Reeves’ hitman was last seen stumbling out of New York City with countless assassins on his tail, production on the pic is now underway and as expected, the set photos and videos have begun to pour out online. Just yesterday, we got our first look at the project and now, more has arrived, with the first batch of goodies coming in the form of these pics, which show Mr. Wick looking bloody and bruised.
Aside from those images, a video has made its way onto the web as well. Seen below, we don’t know the exact context of the scene being shot here, but once again, the titular hitman doesn’t look to be in the best shape, as you can see him running away – presumably from an enemy – with blood all over his shirt.
Keanu Reeves films intense action scene in the rain for "John Wick 3" in New York City, NY https://t.co/898Fc0qpXc pic.twitter.com/qocwLXjGJn
— Keanuital (@Keanuital) May 8, 2018
As of now, not too much is known about the plot for John Wick: Chapter 3, but this synopsis does provide some hints as to where we’re going:
John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is on the run for two reasons… he’s being hunted for a global $14 million dollar open contract on his life, and for breaking a central rule: taking a life on Continental Hotel grounds. The victim was a member of the High Table who ordered the open contract. John should have already been executed, except the Continental’s manager, Winston, has given him a one-hour grace period before he’s “Excommunicado” – membership revoked, banned from all services and cut off from other members. John uses the service industry to stay alive as he fights and kills his way out of New York City.
If the original John Wick drew praise for its refined, minimalist nature – it arguably struck that oh-so-sweet balance between style and substance – then Chapter 2 felt somewhat bloated by comparison, and lost that neo-noir feel by expanding its plot across an international scope. Here’s hoping that the third (and potentially final?) chapter can recapture what made the original sleeper hit so special to begin with, then.
Perhaps Keanu Reeves’ legendary assassin will even get the chance to retire? More on John Wick: Chapter 3 when we get it.