The ending of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” left both fans and Keanu Reeves himself feeling a bit unsatisfied, according to director Chad Stahelski. Despite the film’s critical and commercial success, there was a sense that the conclusion didn’t quite fulfill the expectations of the audience.
In the final moments of the third installment, John Wick is betrayed by Winston, played by Ian McShane, and seemingly falls to his death off a hotel roof after being shot multiple times. However, he survives and is taken in by the Bowery King, setting up a cliffhanger for the next installment.
Stahelski revealed that both he and Reeves felt they hadn’t fully delivered with this ending, leaving loose ends in the story and leaving fans wanting more closure. The dissatisfaction with the ending led them to rethink their approach and consider how they could provide a more satisfying conclusion to the series.
Their discussions eventually led to the decision that John Wick needed to die in a meaningful way, in line with the themes of honor and redemption that permeate the series. This idea stemmed from Stahelski’s reading of “Hagakure,” a treatise on samurai etiquette, which emphasized the importance of a good death following a good life.
Armed with this concept, Stahelski and Reeves began to plan out the next steps for the franchise, determined to give John Wick the ending he deserved. This process involved mapping out the story backward from the desired conclusion, ensuring that each element of the narrative contributed to the character’s ultimate fate.
The revelation that both the director and the star were dissatisfied with the ending of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” sheds light on the creative process behind the beloved action franchise. It also hints at the level of dedication and care that Stahelski and Reeves have for the character and the story, ensuring that John Wick’s journey receives a fitting conclusion.
