Chad Stahelski, the director of all four John Wick movies, is being given creative control of Lionsgate’s Highlander franchise.
Lionsgate announced that Stahelski, who was previously revealed to be directing the new Highlander reboot, will guide the future of the franchise across film, television, and multimedia platforms. The studio also said that Highlander will be Stahelski’s next movie, though a production date has not been announced at this time.
Additionally, Stahelski will assume creative oversight of the John Wick franchise across film, television, and multimedia platforms.
Stahelski will work with Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee on the John Wick franchise, and with Neal H. Moritz and the estate of Peter S. Davis on future Highlander projects.
“This deal expands on the great creative relationship we already have in place on John Wick and extends it to our Highlander franchise,” Lionsgate’s Joe Drak and Adam Fogelson said in a statement. “From the outset, Chad has been the creative force defining the world of Wick; as we continue to think about the future for that world, we want Chad, working together with Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road, as our stewards guiding us and strategizing together at every step. This deal makes it official, and we look forward to his steady hand and creative input not just on the film he is making, but other stories that arise from it. He is a true visionary, and we are thrilled to have him in our corner.”
Chad Stahelski on the future of John Wick and Highlander
Stahelski said, “I am pleased to be able to grow my relationship with Lionsgate in this new oversight role for the John Wick universe and its further expansion. John Wick is so close to my heart and to be able to continue shepherding it will be a blast for me. I’m so happy to also be launching another franchise with Highlander, a world that is so rich with engaging stories to be told.”
A release date for the Highlander reboot has not yet been set.
The first three John Wick movies, meanwhile, are currently streaming on Netflix, while 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4 is now streaming on Starz. Following John Wick: Chapter 4 and The Continental television series, the next John Wick project will be the Ana de Aramas-led Ballerina, which releases on June 7, 2024.
