Ian McShane reveals how it was his idea to further fuel a popular fan theory in John Wick: Chapter 4.

John Wick in Chapter Four surrounded by candles in a cathedral beside Winston

Franchise star Ian McShane can’t say for sure that his Winston character is the father of Keanu Reeves’ John Wick, but he’s happy to fuel the fan theories.

In John Wick: Chapter 4, it was subtly teased that there may be a family connection between Winston and John Wick. It was revealed that Winston was, at the very least, familiar with John’s Russian heritage.

Upon burying John Wick at the end of the film, Winston also notably said, in Russian, “Farewell, my son.” This heavily fueled speculation that this meant Winston had been the true father of John Wick all along. In a new interview with Screen Rant, McShane noted how John Wick 5 is still in the works, so it remains to be seen if the teased family connection will be further explored.

“I know nothing, señor,” Ian McShane said about John Wick 5. “No, I’m sure they’re working on another John Wick, possible 5, script. Keanu and I talk about it.

The next chapter is Ballerina, which comes out in June, which is the spinoff with Ana de Armas, which takes place between 3 and 4. I get to work with my dear friend Lance Reddick — God bless you, kid — again on it.”

Revealing how the John Wick: Chapter 4 tease was his idea, McShane added, “But yeah, that was my idea at the end of that, to have the tattoo on my hand and to say in Russian, goodbye in Russian, ‘Dasvidanya, moy syn.’ But, it’s just a tease to the audience, who knows what they’ll come up with.”

Keanu Reeves as John Wick on a poster for John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum.
Keanu Reeves looking surprised as John Wick in John Wick: Chapter 4 Keanu Reeves in a suit holding a gun in John Wick Chapter 4 Ian McShane as Winston in the John Wick films Ian McShane as Winston in John Wick 3

How Will John Wick 5 Continue the Story?

John Wick: Chapter 4 had a shocker of an ending, seemingly killing off Keanu Reeves’ titular character. As the film was originally planned to shoot back-to-back with a fifth movie, it was expected that Reeves would return in another film, though the events of John Wick: Chapter 4 have left the future of the character a bit unclear. What’s known is that fans will see Reeves in the role once again with the character making an appearance in Ballerina, which, as McShane said, will be released on June 7.

It was reported in 2023 that John Wick 5 was in early development, but the project has been slow to come together. McShane also said recently that it may be best to “let [Keanu] rest” after his character’s supposed death, and then he can come back eventually when the time is right. It’s unclear when John Wick 5 may go into production or see its release.