Lionsgate’s “John Wick: Chapter 4” has kicked off its opening weekend with a bang, surpassing all previous entries in the franchise at the domestic box office. The film is projected to finish with a total gross of over $70 million, driven by a stellar opening day of $29.4 million from 3,855 locations. This impressive figure includes $8.9 million in Thursday previews, which helped to build momentum ahead of the film’s wide release.
The “John Wick” series has seen consistent growth since its inception, with each entry proving to be more successful than the last. The franchise began with a storyline created from scratch, and has since built a dedicated fan base around its intense action sequences and unique world-building. “Chapter 4” is expected to outperform the $56.8 million debut earned by the previous entry, “Parabellum,” signaling continued growth for the franchise.
In addition to its strong box office performance, “Chapter 4” has also received high praise from critics. The film has earned a 92% approval rating from top critics on review aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes, marking a series-high for the franchise. It has also received an “A” grade from research firm Cinema Score, indicating a high level of enthusiasm among audiences.
With a production budget of $100 million, “Chapter 4” is the most expensive entry in the franchise to date. However, the film’s early success suggests that this investment will pay off in the weeks to come.
The film sees Keanu Reeves return as the titular assassin, as he battles to free himself from the High Table, a powerful organization that controls the world of assassins. Along the way, he faces off against a host of new enemies, as well as familiar faces from his past. The ensemble cast includes Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Rina Sawayama, and Scott Adkins, alongside returning players Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, and Lance Reddick.
