Which John Wick Theory Will Become The Real Ending to the Franchise?

In 2014, avid action movie viewers got introduced to a new Keanu Reeves movie, John Wick. The first movie gives viewers a taste of the action sequences that will come in the next two films. The 2nd chapter, John Wick 2, explores the concept of the High Table and builds the world that the characters are part of. And in 2019, the latest, John Wick 3: Parabellum, we see an immediate continuation of John Wick’s actions and consequences. It doesn’t end there. It was also announced that two more sequels are coming: John Wick 4 and John Wick 5, with the fourth getting a 2022 release. But with John Wick (Keanu Reeves) still in the middle of his revenge plot against the High Table, how can the franchise end? Read more about each John Wick theory that fans have explored.

Warning: Potential spoilers ahead.

John Wick Theory 1: He Destroys the System and Finds a New Purpose

John Wick 3: Parabellum ends with John Wick falling off a building, suddenly disappearing from the street, and appearing bloody in front of the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne). And with both characters having lost in different ways, it seems likely they’ll have a team up to get revenge in the upcoming movie. With the treatment they both received from the High Table, they have no choice but to go against the system that has made them suffer.

This John Wick theory is a likely but predictable ending to the John Wick franchise. After all, Wick has had to endure endless beatings and shootings after coming out of “retirement.” The Baba Yaga might even defeat the 12-seater High Table and end up with John Wick living peacefully. He could even adopt an orphan and help that orphan find a purpose alongside him and his unnamed dog. It will become a “happy ending” for Wick and those bound to the system.

Theory 2: He IS the New High Table

It seems that John Wick is impossible to kill, and his alliance with the Bowery King may further increase his strength. But once they defeat the High Table, what would happen next? This John Wick theory explores the idea that the protagonist will become the NEW High Table. The dreaded Baba Yaga may become the new High Table leader and have a new assassin following.

Once he and the Bowery King exterminates the High Table, John Wick could take the leadership role and create new standards. He might even allow assassins to leave a peaceful, everyday life and settle down. However, this theory may become unfortunate for John Wick. For someone who wants freedom from the High Table, taking the leadership position may become a fate worse than death for him.

Theory 3: He Knows He Can’t Leave a Peaceful Life

This John Wick theory explores the Kubler-Ross model– the five stages of grief. To refresh your memory, it’s:

• Denial (John Wick doesn’t want his idyllic life to end)
• Anger (John Wick goes on a rampage)
• Bargaining (John Wick “bargains” with The Elder)
• Depression
• Acceptance

If the model were to follow the release of each John Wick movie, John Wick 4 might tackle depression. And with John Wick 5 announced, the protagonist may accept that he would no longer have a peaceful life.

In this case, John Wick will have to understand that he’ll no longer go back to a life where he can live “normally” as he did with his late wife, Helen. Eventually, John Wick may realize that he might only achieve peace when he dies. And as an experienced assassin, John Wick knows that death would be his way out.

Theory 4: He Dies

If peace seems impossible for John Wick, there’s only one way for him to be “free” from the chains of the High Table: Death. He knows that dying is a better option than following the rules of the High Table blindly. Plus, having gone against crime families, it’s likely that viewers will see John Wick at the end of his journey.

Once the High Table is gone, Winston (Ian McShane), the head of the New York Continental, may assume his position as head of the High Table. He would eventually create a fairer system for other assassins. Plus, he might even pay tribute to Wick once the Baba Yaga rests in peace. It’s easier said than done to say that John Wick will die. Since the first movie, he’s been fighting enemies, and it looks like he’s nowhere near done.

Theory 5: A Longtime Ally is the REAL Villain

John Wick 3: Parabellum introduces its viewers to the antagonist of the franchise, the head of the High Table: The Elder. But, for someone who would be the antagonist, it doesn’t seem too surprising. The Elder’s past remains a mystery, especially his ascent to power and why people are quick to follow him. It may seem, however, the real villain set-up would be Winston, the possible actual leader of the High Table.

As manager of the New York Continental, Winston isn’t one to falter. During the Continental siege, he was hiding inside his vault with John Wick’s unnamed dog. He even helped supply John Wick and concierge Charon, weapons to wipe out the High Table’s fighters. However, by the end of the movie, we saw him shooting John Wick off the Continental, seemingly killing the title character. And this ploy may only be the beginning of Winston’s schemes,  setting him up to become the likely villain in the upcoming movies.

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