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“John Wick: Chapter 4” officially bowed at its London premiere Monday evening, and the social media reaction embargo lifted at the time of the premiere.

The fourth installment picks up following the end of “John Wick Chapter 3 – Parabellum,” which saw Keanu Reeves’ infamous assassin take a tumble from on top of the Continental Hotel after being betrayed by his friend Winston (Ian McShane). In all likelihood, Wick lives. “Chapter 4” is the story of the deadly villain traveling around the world to escape the rule of the elusive and brutal High Table.

The critical darling action series has drawn strong praise in the first round of reviews and has been praised for its impressive list of partners in the fight that comprises Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, Marko Zazor, Scott Adkins and Rina Sawayama. Another topic of contention is the length of the film that is a lengthy two hours and 49 minutes — 38 minutes longer than the previous film’s.

Los Angeles Times critic Katie Walsh enjoyed the movie, praising its visuals as an improvement over other blockbusters from franchises. The critic also noted that there was one thing she disliked about the film: “Because it’s dumb.”

Collider chief editor Steven Weintraub had nothing but praise for the film, signaling that Reeves gets up to some mischief using a shotgun made of dragon’s breath.

CinemaBlend Critic Eric Eisenberg expressed some reservations about the film’s daunting runtime. However, he says that the film “earns it” by using “smart pace” and strong elements of the set.

John Wick: Chapter 4 director and franchise creator Chad Stahelski explains why he would like to take a break from the series prior to working on the next installment. Stahelski began his career working in Hollywood by working as a stuntman prior to teaming up with star Keanu Reeves to make 2013’s John Wick. Stahelski was co-directing the film alongside David Leitch, before solely in charge of the subsequent three sequels following John Wick was a surprise financial and critical success.

A conversation with /Film Stahelski opens up about what the future holds for the action franchise prior to John Wick: Chapter 4’s theatrical release. He states that he believes it’s time to take a break from the series before continuing Wick’s story. At John Wick Chapter 4 movie , the director has indicated the possibility of not directing a John Wick 5, telling the press, “I’m always saying, “This is my last film that will never happen again.’ That’s why I’m saying: This is my last one.” As for why he feels a break is necessary, Stahelski says:

While Stahelski hopes to step away from John Wick’s journey through the criminal underworld The franchise is set to expand with the Ana de Armas-led spin-off Ballerina. It is set within John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, Ballerina explores the story of de Armas’ Rooney, who begins her own revenge quest against the murderers of her family. As de Armas is taking over the role of Unity Phelan, Reeves, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, and Anjelica Huston are all set to play the roles of earlier installments in the franchise.

In the wake of the success of John Wick: Chapter 4 and the other chapters of the franchise, Stahelski is set to utilize his talents as a director to new realms beyond the high-stakes gunplay Reeves’ master assassin. The year 2021 is when Stahelski was tapped by the company to develop a film adaptation of Ghosts of Tsushima, the hit 2020 PlayStation game in which an samurai protects the island of Tsushima in the first Mongol invasion of Japan. The director is also expected to create a new version for the Highlander franchise and Stahelski stated that he had a vision of his take on the battle between immortals being an entire trilogy of films.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is one of 2023’s popular releases. So, even though there is a possibility of disappointment with a potential break between films, it’s obvious that the reasons given by Stahelski could be beneficial for future films. Additionally, with the director’s future projects trading firearms for swordplay, the lessons that Stahelski teaches with Ghosts of Tsushima and Highlander could lead to more riveting fights in future films.