By Lionsgate had a weird, disjointed panel at New York Comic Con. With two properties that couldn’t be more disparate.there wasn’t a proper amount of hype or negativity. Thankfully after Power Rangers‘ lackluster showing, John Wick: Chapter Two came out of the gate damn strong.
With lots of new information, a good look at some of its famous “gun fu,” and a Lawrence Fishburne reveal, the wait for John Wick: Chapter Two is going to be arduous.
If you were somehow worried the sequel wouldn’t have the same amount of love as the original, there’s no need to worry. One thing the panel highlighted was how much care was going into Chapter Two. Before the panel proper we were treated to a behind the scenes video showing off the film’s stunt work (and a couple of the set pieces). Things I could skim from the video were another prominent car fight, and a bit more of that lobby and alleyway shootouts in the trailer. But the important fact is that each of these stunts is very real. Director Chad Stehelski emphasized the practicality of the effects and that each actor was put through the ringer in order for the film’s action to feel as real as possible. Common even mentioned how this film is the most intense action he’s been a part of (and after a look at his fight with Reeves, that’s definitely an understatement). But the better part of the panel went into a good amount of juicy story details.
The best part of the first John Wick was the Continental Hotel, and it’s making a return in the sequel. Ian McShane also noted how there’s an Italian version of it and fighting through it leads to Wick killing “about 80 Italians.” The specificity of the statement was a bit weird, but whatever it’s all good. Keanu Reeves detailed the plot as such: When Wick first left the assassin world, he made a deal with someone in order to hide his existence completely (using the specific “blood oath” phrase). And as such, when returned to action he broke that oath and now someone is out to “cash in” on that deal. Not only does he have to deal with someone chasing him down, Reeves also teased a new mysterious organization called The High Table which may or may not be connected to the Continental. And the kicker? The sequel takes place just four days after the original film. John Wick gets no rest.
Other things of note are the new setting and new dog. The sequel is headed to Italy for stylish killing action, and director Stehelski couldn’t confirm whether or not this new dog was going to be safe. It’s a high point of contention for some people in the first one, but although he couldn’t confirm whether or not the new dog was going to be safe he did say we’d like it. So, I’m sure this new doggo will be just fine. Maybe cutely falling asleep through everything or something.
That’s all from Lionsgate’s Power Rangers/John Wick: Chapter Two panel! The film releases next February and it’s going to be a hell of a wait.