A Plea To Stop The John Wick Franchise: Why 4 Was Enough

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Diminishing Returns: How Chapter 4 Fell Short

John Wick: Chapter 4 delivered more of the same high-octane action we've come to expect from the franchise. John Wick, once again, finds himself embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse against a vast network of assassins. While visually stunning, the film suffers from several key flaws that point towards a decline in quality.

• Overly Long Runtime: The film's extended runtime, clocking in at over three hours, impacted the pacing. Scenes dragged, and the relentless action, while impressive, became somewhat overwhelming and repetitive.

• Repetitive Action Sequences and Plot Devices: The signature gun-fu remained stylish, but the sheer number of similar action sequences felt formulaic. Plot devices, such as the constant betrayals and shifting alliances, were recycled from previous films, lacking the freshness of earlier installments.

• Lack of Significant Character Development: While Keanu Reeves continues to deliver a compelling performance, the supporting characters felt underdeveloped. The focus remained heavily on John Wick, leaving other characters underutilized and hindering their potential.

• Convoluted World-Building: The already complex world of the High Table expanded significantly in Chapter 4, adding layers of convoluted lore that ultimately detracted from the overall narrative. The sheer number of factions and players made it difficult to fully engage with the story.

These flaws combined to create a film that, while undeniably entertaining for fans, failed to reach the heights of its predecessors. The quality of the action, while impressive, couldn’t compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

Franchise Fatigue: The Dangers of Over-Saturation

The concept of "franchise fatigue" is a real phenomenon. Audiences, even those dedicated to a particular franchise, can become saturated with repetitive storylines and characters. Numerous franchises, from Pirates of the Caribbean to the later Fast and Furious films, illustrate the dangers of milking a franchise past its natural expiration date. Signs of fatigue within the John Wick franchise are already appearing:

• Declining Critical Reception: While John Wick: Chapter 4 received positive reviews, the critical acclaim was less overwhelming than previous installments, suggesting a shift in public perception.

• Potential Audience Burnout: The relentless action and repetitive plot devices risk alienating audiences who may have grown tired of the formula.

• Compromised Quality: The pressure to produce sequels could lead to a compromise in quality, potentially sacrificing the artistic integrity and unique style that defined the earlier John Wick movies.

Continuing the John Wick franchise beyond Chapter 4 risks tarnishing its carefully constructed legacy. It's a risk that isn't worth taking.

A Perfect Ending: Why Chapter 4 Should Be the Finale

John Wick: Chapter 4 provided a remarkably satisfying conclusion. John Wick's journey, marked by loss, vengeance, and unwavering determination, reaches a natural end point. The film successfully resolves major plot threads, offering closure while still leaving room for interpretation.

• John Wick's Complete Character Arc: The film showcases the culmination of John Wick's journey, providing a sense of finality to his character arc.

• Resolved Plot Threads: Key plotlines are concluded, providing a sense of completeness to the narrative.

• Satisfying Ending: The final scene is both powerful and bittersweet, leaving the audience with a lasting impression without demanding more.

Knowing when to end a franchise is a crucial aspect of maintaining its legacy. The John Wick franchise has successfully established itself as a modern action classic. Continuing it risks undermining that status.

The Value of a Strong Ending: Protecting the Legacy

A well-crafted ending is crucial for a franchise's lasting impact. Think of the final Lord of the Rings film or the concluding Avengers: Endgame. These films successfully brought their respective sagas to a close, leaving audiences with a sense of satisfaction and closure. Forcing unnecessary sequels, as seen with many franchises, only diminishes the impact of those well-crafted endings. Continuing the John Wick franchise beyond Chapter 4 risks damaging its existing reputation and diminishes the potent impact of its current finale.

Conclusion:

The John Wick franchise has delivered four thrilling and stylish action films. However, Chapter 4 demonstrated diminishing returns, and the risk of franchise fatigue is palpable. The film's satisfying conclusion offers a perfect opportunity to end the saga, preserving its legacy and preventing future installments from diluting its achievements. Let's not allow the relentless pursuit of profit to undermine the excellence of what has already been accomplished. We need to stop the John Wick franchise before it becomes another cautionary tale of over-saturation. Instead of more main installments, perhaps a spin-off series focusing on supporting characters could explore the world further without compromising the core franchise’s strong conclusion. Let’s end the John Wick saga on a high note and ensure its place as a beloved classic, not a bloated franchise that overstayed its welcome.