John Wick 5: Ditching The High Table – A Fresh Approach To The Franchise

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Why Ditching the High Table is Necessary

The High Table, while initially a compelling antagonist, has become a predictable obstacle. This over-reliance on the same antagonist limits the creative freedom of the franchise and risks audience fatigue.

Over-reliance on the same antagonist:

• Repetitive storylines: The past few films have largely centered around John Wick's attempts to escape or dismantle the High Table's influence. This repetitive structure, while initially engaging, has become somewhat formulaic. Each film follows a similar pattern: John Wick gets a contract, he fights his way through numerous adversaries, and the conflict with the High Table escalates.
• Lack of fresh antagonists: The High Table, while complex, has offered limited opportunities for truly unique and memorable antagonists. The focus remains primarily on its various managers and enforcers, leaving little room for fresh, compelling villains with their own distinct motives and fighting styles.
• Audience fatigue: The constant conflict with the High Table risks alienating viewers. Audiences crave novelty and unexpected twists. Continuing the same conflict without significant alterations could lead to diminishing returns.

Exploring new avenues for conflict:

Stepping away from the High Table unlocks a wealth of creative possibilities. It allows for a broader exploration of the John Wick universe and the introduction of diverse conflicts.

• New criminal organizations: Imagine facing a rival assassin guild with entirely different rules of engagement and a unique internal structure. Perhaps a technologically advanced syndicate, or a group operating under a completely different code of honor.
• Personal vendettas: Shifting the focus to personal conflicts allows for a more intimate and emotionally resonant narrative. A long-forgotten enemy from John Wick's past, or a betrayal within his inner circle, could provide a compelling storyline that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.
• Expanding the assassin underworld: The world of John Wick is vast and full of untapped potential. The High Table represents just one power structure. Exploring other factions and regions within this underworld would introduce new faces, new challenges, and new rules.

Potential Storylines without the High Table

Removing the High Table opens up fascinating narrative possibilities, allowing for a more character-driven story, focusing on John Wick's past and his relationships.

John Wick's past and redemption arc:

Exploring John's pre-assassin life and the events that shaped him could provide significant emotional depth.

• Unresolved past traumas: Delving into John's past could reveal the events that led him to become a hitman, explaining his skills and motivations in a more nuanced way.
• Attempted atonement: The narrative could explore John's attempts to make amends for his past actions, creating internal conflict and providing opportunities for unexpected character development.
• Building empathy: Shifting the focus to John's personal journey would allow audiences to connect with him on a more human level, beyond his legendary status as a ruthless assassin.

New alliances and unexpected enemies:

Introducing new characters and shifting alliances will generate compelling plot twists.

• Unlikely alliances: John Wick might find himself forced to forge alliances with former enemies or unexpected allies to face a common threat.
• Charismatic antagonists: A new, powerful antagonist could emerge, presenting a compelling challenge to John Wick while also showcasing a different facet of the assassin underworld.
• Complex relationships: The narrative could explore complex and evolving relationships, creating betrayals and shifting loyalties that keep the audience guessing.

Maintaining the Franchise's Core Elements

While a new direction is needed, the core elements that make John Wick so successful must be preserved.

Preserving the signature action style:

The gun-fu and visceral fight choreography are key to the franchise's identity.

• Innovative fight sequences: The action should continue to push boundaries, experimenting with new environments, weapons, and fighting styles.
• Maintaining the style: The signature stylistic choices that define the franchise—the precise choreography, the stylish camera work, and the unique sound design—must remain central.
• Expanding the rules: Building upon the already established rules and lore of the John Wick universe will ensure that the action remains grounded and believable within the context of this world.

Expanding the world and its lore:

Even without the High Table, the world of John Wick remains fertile ground for storytelling.

• New locations: Introducing new locations and environments would offer fresh visual opportunities and could reflect the diverse cultures and power structures within the assassin underworld.
• Deepening the lore: Through flashbacks, expanded backstories, and nuanced character development, the lore of the John Wick universe could be enriched further.
• Continuing world-building: Continued meticulous world-building will keep the franchise fresh and engaging for long-term fans while also attracting new viewers.

Conclusion

John Wick 5 has the potential to be a spectacular addition to the franchise, but it requires a bold departure from the established formula. Ditching the High Table is not about abandoning the series’ core; it's about reinventing it. By focusing on John Wick's past, exploring new alliances, and maintaining the signature action and world-building that fans love, John Wick 5 can revitalize the franchise and offer a compelling experience. The future of John Wick lies not in repeating past successes but in embracing a bold, new approach – one that dares to ditch the High Table and forge a new path for the Baba Yaga. Let's hope the creators seize this opportunity to redefine what a John Wick movie can be.