You just can’t keep a good assassin down — and John Wick can’t seem to stay retired.
Keanu Reeves’ elite hitman is returning to the big screen in a big way in 2017. Lionsgate Pictures released the first trailer for John Wick: Chapter 2 over the weekend during the studio’s panel at New York Comic Con. Along with bringing back Reeves’ black-suited, dog-friendly hitman, the trailer also teases the return of at least one other character from the 2014 film, as well as a host of familiar faces in new roles.
Directed by Chad Stahelski, who co-directed the first film, John Wick: Chapter 2 finds the talented killer heading off to Rome to deal with a former associate, an international assassins’ guild, and a ruthless crime lord. Screenwriter Derek Kolstad also returns for the sequel after scripting the 2014 film.
Reeves is joined in the cast by Common (Wanted), who plays the film’s primary antagonist, as well as Riccardo Scamarcio, Laurence Fishburne, Ruby Rose, Bridget Moynahan, Lance Reddick, Franco Nero, John Leguizamo, and Ian McShane. Moynahan, Reddick, Leguizamo, and McShane all reprise their roles from the first film.
Released in October 2014, John Wick was a surprise hit that earned more than $86 million over its 13-week run in theaters and received positive reviews from professional critics and general audiences alike. Made for just $20 million, the film was celebrated for its innovative fight choreography and influences drawn from classic action films — both Eastern andWestern.
John Wick: Chapter 2 hits theaters February 10, 2017.
