The John Wick franchise premiered in 2014 with the first film starring Keanu Reeves. The neo-noir crime film series is still ongoing over a decade later, and it's just about to further expand with the first spinoff film.

The original film series features four films so far, with a fifth on the way. The universe also includes a spinoff television show, and Ballerina, the Ana de Armas-led spinoff film. Since its release in 2014, the franchise has grossed over $1 billion, and Ian McShane addressed how conspiracy theories helped John Wick grow in an interview with CBR's Grae Drake.

While addressing his character Winston Scott's past, McShane shared his own theories on his background. He detailed how he and the late Lance Reddick's Charon might have come from the government, and further detailed how the franchise grew from conspiracy theories.

"I mean, too, is, which , but they choose to go down the John Wick rabbit hole. " The franchise features multiple theories about the character, including his supposed death at the end of John Wick 4, and even one that the franchise takes place in a video game, among many others.

McShane had previously taken credit for his support of several theories, including the recurring one that Winston is John Wick's father. However, he highlighted, "I mean, they also have a sense of humor, sly sense of humor."

He continued to share his ideas on why John Wick continues to be popular. , which I think ruins these kind of movies when they go, 'Oh, it's a buddy movie.' . They come out of real situations, or the humor, like the fact that, you know, I loved in John Wick 3, that all the fanboy assassins, you know, like they do, and they still continue to this day."

McShane concluded, "But that's kind of part of because, you know, we're doing, You know, had a great time. Now, we'll go and have sushi, whatever, and you talk about the movie. And That's up, fine by me."

The franchise was created by Derek Kolstad, with Chad Stahelski at the helm, starring Reeves, McShane, and Reddick, who have appeared in all films so far. With many additions to the universe, the (via The Numbers).

The films have also received extremely good reviews. All four entries so far score over 85% from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, all with Certified Fresh badges, an incredibly rare feat. They also had positive reviews from the audience, ranging between 82% for the first film, and 93% for the latest installment, which is the only film with a Certified Fresh badge.

John Wick 5 doesn't have a release date, but Ballerina premieres in theaters on June 6.

Source: CBR