Keanu Reeves is back as John Wick in the fourth installment of the hugely popular action franchise. ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ generated $8.9 million in previews, beating the previous franchise record of $5.9 million set by the third film. The film is expected to gross between $65 million and $70 million on its opening weekend, which would be a new high for the franchise.
Moreover, ‘John Wick 4’ is the most expensive film in the series with a budget of over $100 million, but it is also expected to finish with the highest total. The previous installment grossed $328.3 million globally, while ‘John Wick 2’ took in $174.3 million and the original ‘John Wick’ took $86.1 million.
This is an impressive feat achieved by the franchise, as each film has significantly increased its opening weekend release after release. The original film opened with $14 million in 2014, followed by ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ ($30.4 million) and ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ ($56.8 million). With no other major releases set to compete against it over the weekend, ‘John Wick 4’ is expected to surpass all previous records, with ‘Shazam: Fury of the Gods’ poised to relinquish its title as box office champion.
The franchise has grown into a cultural phenomenon, thanks in no small part to Reeves’ portrayal of the iconic character, who forces viewers to suspend disbelief and embrace the fantastical elements that the series has become known for. This time, Reeves is back to take down the nefarious High Table crime syndicate once and for all, confronting latest villain Marquis Vincent de Gramont, played by Bill Skarsgard.
The movie is directed by Chad Stahelski and also features Donnie Yen as the blind swordsman Caine, Shamier Anderson as mysterious tracker Mr. Nobody, Rina Sawayama and Hiroyuki Sanada. The film also marks the return of Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne and Lance Reddick, who died last week at the age of 60. The producers paid tribute to Reddick ahead of the movie’s premiere, while Reeves thanked him for the passion and dedication he brought to his work.
In conclusion, ‘John Wick 4’ has all the markings of a blockbuster and a fitting capstone to a beloved franchise. With its established lead actor, talented directors and recognizable cast, the film is set to continue the trend of delivering quality entertainment that has endeared it to audiences worldwide.
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Ref: Box Office: ‘John Wick 4’ Earns Franchise-Best $8.9 Million in Previews – Variety