Acclaimed action director Chad Stahelski is moving from underground hit-men in John Wick, to a world of vampires, aliens, and the undead, in his newest series. Stahelski, who directed and co-created John Wick (and its subsequent sequels), has acquired the rights to author Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger series of books. Stahleski will turn the 10 novels into a new series, under the banner of his 87Eleven Entertainment production company.
The Joe Ledger series follows the titular Baltimore detective as he forms the mysterious Department of Military Sciences. Being used to working the streets, Ledger’s world is turned upside down when he encounters terrorist plots to create zombie bioweapons, harness the powers of vampires, and utilize alien technology to upend entire countries. Per Deadline, the director has revealed that he is a long-time fan of Jonathan Maberry’s novels, saying:
“I really loved reading the Joe Ledger series. It’s an all-time epic action series with intrigue, suspense, and such engaging characters. As I read it, I could see the immediate cinematic potential. I’m excited to be working with Jonathan to turn it into a TV series.”
Maberry also commented on Stahelski adapting his novels into a new series. The author is excited to see what the John Wick director does with his work, and has full faith in Stahelski. He said:
“Chad’s career, both behind and in front of the camera, pretty much defines the kinds of things I love to watch. The Matrix, The Crow, John Wick – and so many others are solidly in my wheelhouse. And we’re both lifelong martial artists as well as professional pop-culture geeks. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone in Hollywood whose mind runs along tracks this similar to my own. He’s a visionary and a hell of a lot of fun. This is what they mean when they talk about ‘Hollywood magic.'”
Chad Stahelski’s Fans Are Still Waiting for John Wick 5
Starting his filmmaking career as a stunt performer, Stahelski applied his knowledge of the industry (alongside another former stunt performer turned director, David Leitch) to create the John Wick franchise. While Stahelski thought the original movie (released in 2014) could be the last film he ever made, John Wick is now a multi-billion dollar franchise, spanning four films, a prequel series, comic books, and licensed video games. Many believed John Wick: Chapter 4 would be the final entry in the franchise, but Stahelski has teased fans with the potential for a fifth installment.
Following the release of Chapter 4, Stahelski revealed that the fate of John Wick 5 depends on a trip to Japan and a bottle of whiskey. Since the initial announcement, Stahelski has gone back and forth on making a fifth installment with franchise star, Keanu Reeves. Above all, he wants to guarantee any potential John Wick sequels don’t feel like a cash grab. And while the fate of John Wick 5 is currently uncertain, more stories in the John Wick universe are coming.
Ballerina is the next movie in the franchise, starring Ana de Armas. The film explores a minor character who was briefly shown in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Additionally, a new spin-off series is also in the works from 87Eleven. Under the High Table will pick up directly after the events of Chapter 4, as the ominous and immensely powerful High Table has several open seats, thanks in no small part to John Wick.