John Wick's Next Target: A Better John Wick 5 Story Than The High Table

Chloe Fitzgerald

6 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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The High Table's Limitations as a Central Conflict

The High Table, while a powerful concept, has limitations as the overarching antagonist. Its faceless nature and constant shifting power dynamics detract from the personal stakes that defined the earlier films.

Repetitive Antagonists

• Lack of memorable High Table figures: Beyond the Marquis, Chapter 4 struggled to create memorable antagonists within the High Table. Many figures felt interchangeable, lacking the distinct personalities and motivations of previous adversaries like Iosef Tarasov or Viggo Tarasov.
• Repetitive power struggles: The constant internal power struggles within the High Table become predictable. The cyclical nature of these conflicts diminishes their impact and fails to create a truly compelling central threat.
• Diminishing impact of "The High Table" as a threat: The sheer size and power of the High Table, while initially intimidating, become diluted as the story progresses. The threat feels less personal and less engaging the more we see of its internal machinations.

Lack of Personal Stakes for John Wick

Focusing on the High Table removes the emotional core that made the first three John Wick films so resonant. The personal tragedies and motivations that drove John were sidelined in Chapter 4.

• Diminished focus on John's grief and motivations: The narrative shifted away from John's grief over his wife and the events that set him on his path of vengeance. This emotional core is crucial to the character.
• Less emphasis on personal relationships driving the narrative: The relationships that fueled John's actions in previous installments – his connection with Sofia, for instance – were less prominent.
• The High Table as a faceless, less relatable enemy: The vast, impersonal nature of the High Table makes it a less compelling antagonist compared to the more personally invested villains of the earlier films. A relatable enemy elevates the emotional impact of the narrative.

Alternative Storyline for John Wick 5: A New Target, New Stakes

To revitalize the franchise, John Wick 5 should focus on a new, personal antagonist and explore unexplored aspects of John's past. This approach will re-establish the emotional core and personal stakes that defined the series’ early success.

Introducing a New, Personal Antagonist

A compelling new adversary, directly connected to John's past, could significantly elevate the stakes.

• Examples of potential antagonists: A former mentor betrayed by John, a vengeful relative seeking retribution for a past grievance, or a shadowy figure from John's past resurfaces, seeking to settle an old score.
• Elevated stakes: A personal connection creates higher stakes than the faceless High Table. The antagonist's personal vendetta against John becomes more impactful and emotionally resonant.
• Opportunities for character development and emotional depth: A new antagonist provides opportunities for rich character development and explores previously unseen facets of John's personality and history.

Exploring John Wick's Past

Delving deeper into John's past offers fertile ground for a more emotionally resonant narrative.

• Exploring John's training: We could see flashbacks to John's rigorous training, revealing more about his skills and the sacrifices he made.
• Revealing hidden family secrets: Uncovering hidden aspects of John's family history could add emotional depth and provide a stronger personal connection to the new antagonist.
• Uncovering unresolved conflicts from his past: Addressing unresolved conflicts from John's past could provide a compelling arc for the character and create more emotional investment for the audience.

A More Focused Narrative

A tighter, more focused narrative is crucial for John Wick 5. Chapter 4's sprawling plotline could benefit from streamlining.

• Benefits of a more concise plot: A tighter plot allows for more effective pacing and deeper character development.
• Improved pacing and character development: With a more concentrated narrative, the story can move at a faster pace without sacrificing emotional depth.
• Higher audience engagement with a tighter narrative: A focused story creates a more impactful and emotionally satisfying viewing experience for audiences.

Maintaining the Action and Style of the Franchise

The signature action sequences and unique style of the John Wick films are essential to its success. A new storyline should complement, not replace, these key elements.

Balancing Personal Story with Action Sequences

It's crucial to maintain the franchise's iconic action sequences while integrating the proposed storyline.

• Interweaving action sequences with character development: Action sequences can be used to punctuate emotional moments and advance the plot, showcasing John's skills while also highlighting the personal stakes involved.
• Maintaining the franchise's unique style and flair: The stylish gun-fu and unique cinematic flair that define the John Wick universe should remain a core element of the franchise's identity.

Expanding on the World of John Wick

While shifting focus, we can still expand the world of John Wick without losing sight of what makes it unique.

• Introducing new factions or organizations: New organizations can be introduced, adding depth and complexity to the underworld, enriching the existing lore.
• Exploring new locations and settings: Expanding to new locations maintains visual interest and expands the scope of the John Wick universe.
• Maintaining consistency with established lore: The new story should maintain continuity with the existing lore, creating a consistent and immersive experience for viewers.

Conclusion

John Wick: Chapter 4, while visually stunning, suffered from a less compelling narrative due to its reliance on the High Table as the central conflict. A more effective approach for John Wick 5 would involve a shift toward a personal narrative, focusing on a new antagonist with a direct connection to John's past. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of John's character, a more emotionally resonant storyline, and a tighter, more focused narrative. By retaining the signature action and expanding the world in meaningful ways, the franchise can reach new heights. What's your ideal John Wick 5 target? Let's discuss the future of John Wick. Share your thoughts on a better John Wick 5 storyline. What is your idea for John Wick's next target?