Three years after fans watched John Wick seemingly meet his end in Chapter 4, the legendary assassin is making his return.
But this time, it’s not on the big screen.
During PlayStation’s State of Play event, Lionsgate and Saber Interactive dropped the first trailer for an untitled John Wick video game that promises to put players directly into the Baba Yaga’s stylish, brutal world.
And based on what was shown, fans of Keanu Reeves’ iconic character have plenty to get excited about.
A Glimpse Into John Wick’s Gaming Debut
The action-packed trailer opens with pre-rendered footage that captures the signature aesthetic of Chad Stahelski’s blockbuster film series. Viewers are treated to John Wick in all his glory, complete with his trademark “yeah” that sounds remarkably similar to Reeves himself.
The footage then transitions into actual gameplay, showcasing the assassin taking down enemies with the franchise’s signature gun fu combat style. It’s visceral, stylish, and unmistakably John Wick.
While Keanu Reeves’ likeness is prominently featured throughout the trailer, Lionsgate hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll voice the character. Fans might remember how Troy Baker voiced Harrison Ford’s character in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, so a similar approach could happen here.
Chad Stahelski Brings His Vision to Gaming
One detail that should ease any concerns about authenticity: franchise director Chad Stahelski is creatively involved with the project. His participation suggests the game won’t just slap John Wick’s name on generic action gameplay.
Saber Interactive’s track record also inspires confidence. The developer has proven capable with licensed properties and currently has both Hellraiser: Revival and Jurassic Park: Survival in development.
According to the official synopsis, this collaboration between Saber, Lionsgate, and Stahelski will feature an original script set within the established John Wick timeline. Players can expect familiar faces alongside completely new characters, all woven into the franchise’s intricate criminal underworld.
What Makes This Game Different
Saber Interactive isn’t just creating another third-person shooter with John Wick’s face plastered on it. The developer promises to capture the franchise’s distinctive style through several key features.
The game will include:
- A unique gun fu combat system faithful to the films
- Dynamic camerawork that mimics the franchise’s cinematography
- Immersive driving sequences
- Multiple memorable environments from the John Wick universe
Every element is designed to make players feel like they’re in a John Wick movie, not just controlling a character loosely inspired by one.
This attention to detail matters tremendously for a franchise built on precise choreography and distinctive visual style. Generic action gameplay would betray everything that makes John Wick special.
Beyond Gaming: What’s Next for John Wick
The video game isn’t the only way Lionsgate plans to expand the Continental’s world. Despite Ballerina underperforming at the box office, multiple projects remain in development.
A spin-off centered on Donnie Yen’s blind assassin Caine is moving forward. An animated prequel will explore John’s infamous “impossible task” that earned his freedom before the first film’s events.
Most significantly, John Wick: Chapter 5 has been confirmed, though production won’t begin until Stahelski completes his Highlander remake starring Henry Cavill. This delay might frustrate eager fans, but it ensures Stahelski can give both projects proper attention.
Why Video Games Make Sense for John Wick
John Wick’s brand of action translates naturally to interactive entertainment. The films already feel like watching someone play an exceptionally stylish video game, with their emphasis on creative kills, environmental variety, and escalating difficulty.
Games based on action movies often fail because they can’t capture what makes the source material special. But John Wick’s choreographed combat and world-building actually enhance what gaming does best: putting players in control of spectacular action sequences.
The franchise’s established rules—like the Continental’s neutral ground policy and the underground economy of gold coins—create natural gameplay mechanics. These aren’t just window dressing; they’re functional systems that can drive meaningful player choices.
Managing Expectations
While the trailer looks promising, licensed games have disappointed fans countless times before. No release date has been announced, which could indicate the project is still early in development.
Questions remain about gameplay length, replayability, and whether the combat system can stay engaging beyond the initial novelty. The films work partly because they’re tightly paced 90-120 minute experiences. Stretching that formula across a 10-15 hour game requires careful design.
Still, Saber Interactive’s involvement and Stahelski’s creative oversight suggest this project has the talent and vision needed to succeed. If they can translate even half of the films’ kinetic energy into interactive form, fans will have something genuinely special on their hands.
For now, John Wick enthusiasts can only wait for more information about release timing, platform availability, and whether Keanu Reeves will lend his voice to bring full authenticity to this digital resurrection of cinema’s most stylish assassin.