Keanu Reeves’s return in John Wick 5 would act as a fitting callback to one of the action icon’s most memorable lines. Despite his apparent death in John Wick: Chapter 4, the story is confirmed to continue, as a fifth installment in the main series is known to be in development. However, there’s no official word on Reeves’ involvement with the film or how it will deal with John Wick 4’s ending.

Theoretically, the franchise could move on without him, but given the title and focus of the series, it’s still hard to imagine John Wick 5 happening without him appearing in at least some capacity. As for how it’ll tackle the issue of his supposed death in John Wick: Chapter 4, that remains to be seen. If it wants to bring him back as the central character again, it could do so by revealing that his death was faked somehow (which isn’t completely implausible). Regardless of how it pulls that off, John Wick’s appearance in the film would revive an old line from the first movie.

Keanu Reeves Returning For John Wick 5 Would Mirror The First Movie’s “I’m Thinking I’m Back” Line

Regardless of how it pulls off Keanu Reeves’ return to John Wick 5, an appearance in the film would serve as an appropriate reminder of an iconic moment from John Wick. After being pushed back into action by Viggo Tarasov’s son, there were various characters who questioned John on whether he was no longer retired. This came to a head when he was tied up by Viggo’s men; furious by all that had happened, John said, “Everybody keeps asking me if I’m back. And I haven’t really had an answer. Yeah, I’m thinking I’m back.”

Although the line was spoken 10 years ago, it would feel increasingly relevant to John Wick 5, especially if Reeves truly is on board. Not unlike what was going on in John Wick prior to the quote, if Reeves will be “back” or not as the Baba Yaga is easily the biggest question about the fifth movie right now. For that reason, it would make perfect sense if John Wick 5 were to work in a variation of the line or some sort of throwback to it if he does appear.

Should John Wick 5 Happen With Keanu Reeves?

A chance for such a callback to happen has a strong likelihood of coming to fruition – and perhaps should happen, considering how integral John Wick is to the franchise. While concerns about his return undoing his ending are admittedly warranted, they’re outweighed by the problems that would arise from not bringing him back. While it’s true that the four John Wick movies have built a universe that’s no longer contingent on him, that doesn’t apply to the main series, which has been fueled by Keanu Reeves’ performance and John Wick’s personal narrative. That shouldn’t change in John Wick 5.