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NEW YORK (AP) — “John Wick: Chapter 4,” the fourth installment in Keanu Reeves’ assassin franchise, debuted at $73.5 million, a new franchise high, according to studio estimates Sunday. .
Lionsgate’s film, starring Reeves as the reluctant but not-so-reluctant killer John Wick, exceeded the expectations of the R-rated franchise and its previous opening weekend. Since 2014’s “John Wick” debut ($14 million in its opening weekend), Chad Stahelski’s series has grown steadily at the box office with each sequel. The 2017 sequel opened with $30.4 million, and 2019’s third chapter, “Parabellum,” opened with $56.8 million.
But “Chapter 4,” at 2 hours and 49 minutes and cost at least $100 million to make, is by far the biggest film in the once-thin action franchise. Critics also said it was the high point for the franchise, with a 95% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
While John Wick has grossed more with each new installment — an enviably rare trajectory in a Hollywood franchise — “Chapter 4” brings some foregone conclusions to Reeves’ character. The actor hasn’t given up on continuing the series entirely, telling interviewers to “never say never.” Regardless, the franchise will continue to hum. Filming has wrapped on the spinoff “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas and co-starring Reeves.
The release of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” which included a surprise premiere at SXSW, was also bittersweet. Lance Reddick, who played Continental hotel concierge Charlene in the film, died unexpectedly at the age of 60 a week before the film’s release.
But the success of “John Wick: Chapter 4” gives Hollywood a head start in 2023. After last year’s ticket sales rebounded to about 67% of pre-pandemic levels, this year’s lineup is more stable and compact. Sequels led the way, including “Creed III” and “Scream VI.”
But there are some exceptions. After a disappointing $30.5 million debut last weekend, superhero sequel “Shazam!” dropped to No. 2 with $9.7 million in its second weekend. Warner Bros. releases plummet , down 68% since its release.
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