Let's Stop John Wick: A Plea For Franchise Restraint

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Diminishing Returns and Creative Stagnation

While the John Wick sequels have been financially successful, they demonstrate a clear pattern of diminishing creative returns. The innovative action sequences and unique world-building that defined the original have become increasingly repetitive and predictable. John Wick 4, though a box office success, exemplifies this trend. The sheer volume of action, while impressive in its execution, lacks the impact and originality of the first film. The narrative, too, suffers from a lack of innovation.

• Overreliance on the same action tropes and fight choreography: While the fight choreography remains technically impressive, the reliance on similar techniques and settings across multiple films leads to a sense of déjà vu. The constant repetition of gun-fu and close-quarters combat, while visually striking, ultimately feels formulaic.
• Lack of compelling new villains or antagonists: The antagonists in subsequent films, while competently portrayed, fail to capture the same chilling charisma and complexity as the original's Iosef Tarasov. The stakes feel less personal, and the motivations less compelling, diminishing the emotional impact of the narrative.
• Thinning out of the original's unique world-building: The intricate world of assassins, with its unique rules and codes, was a key element of the first film's success. Subsequent films, however, have expanded this world in a less compelling way, often relying on familiar tropes and failing to introduce truly memorable new elements. The initial intrigue of the High Table has been diluted with each subsequent installment.
• Repetitive use of the "dog" plot device: While the dog serves as a powerful emotional anchor for John Wick, its repeated use as a plot driver across the sequels diminishes its impact. The emotional resonance is lost as the device becomes predictable and less effective.

The combination of these factors points towards a clear case of John Wick franchise fatigue and diminishing returns sequels. The franchise risks losing its unique identity if this trend continues.

The Risk of Oversaturation and Brand Dilution

The relentless pursuit of sequels threatens the very essence of the John Wick brand. Oversaturation risks diluting the initial impact and turning the franchise into a generic action series, indistinguishable from countless others. The potential for damage is significant.

• Potential damage to the John Wick brand's reputation: Continued sequels with diminishing quality could tarnish the carefully cultivated image of the franchise, ultimately damaging its long-term appeal and potential for future projects. The brand's unique identity is threatened by this risk of overexposure.
• Audience fatigue leading to declining box office numbers: The law of diminishing returns applies to audiences as well. Repeated exposure to similar storylines and action sequences will inevitably lead to audience fatigue, resulting in declining box office numbers and diminished profitability.
• The creation of inferior spin-offs: The announcement of spin-offs, such as Ballerina, while potentially exciting, carries the risk of producing inferior projects that further dilute the brand. These spin-offs might fail to capture the essence of the original, damaging the franchise's reputation.
• Loss of the unique stylistic elements that defined the original: The original John Wick film established a distinctive visual style and tone. Further installments risk losing these unique elements in favour of more generic action movie tropes, leading to franchise oversaturation and brand dilution.

Celebrating the Legacy: Why Ending Now Preserves the Franchise's Success

Ending the John Wick franchise now allows it to retain its position as a critically acclaimed and culturally relevant action series. A graceful exit preserves the impact of the original film, leaving audiences with a positive lasting impression.

• The opportunity to leave the audience wanting more: Ending the franchise on a high note, rather than dragging it out until it's creatively exhausted, allows the John Wick legacy to be remembered favorably.
• Protecting the legacy of the original film: By ceasing production, the core strengths of the original film are preserved, preventing them from being diluted by inferior sequels. This prevents the franchise from being remembered for its later weaker entries.
• Avoiding the potential for a disastrous final installment: The risk of a poorly received final film is ever-present. Ending the franchise now avoids this possibility and protects the series' overall reputation.
• Allowing for potential future revivals or reboots with renewed creativity: Ending the franchise allows for the possibility of future revivals or reboots, potentially with a fresh perspective and renewed creative energy, far removed from John Wick franchise fatigue.

Alternatives to Continuing the Franchise

Instead of forcing more sequels, the John Wick universe can be expanded through alternative avenues:

• Video games: A video game adaptation could capture the unique combat mechanics and world-building in a new and engaging format.
• Books/graphic novels: Expanding the world through novels or graphic novels can delve deeper into the lore and characters without the constraints of filmmaking.
• Animated series: An animated series could offer a unique perspective on the John Wick universe, perhaps exploring new characters and storylines without being beholden to the limitations of live-action filmmaking.
• Television series (with careful consideration to avoid pitfalls of the main franchise): A well-crafted television series could delve deeper into the world of assassins, but needs to be distinct from the main films to avoid contributing to John Wick franchise fatigue.

Conclusion

The arguments against continuing the John Wick franchise are clear: diminishing creative returns, the risk of oversaturation, and the imperative of preserving its legacy. While undeniably financially successful, the franchise's creative potential is waning. A timely end would serve the John Wick brand best. Let's collectively agree: it's time to let the John Wick franchise rest. The legend of Baba Yaga deserves a dignified end, not a drawn-out, creatively bankrupt finale. Let's celebrate the existing films and protect the franchise's hard-earned reputation by choosing restraint over relentless sequels. Let's stop John Wick.