The internet was buzzing yesterday when news began circulating that Wesley Snipes had joined the cast of John Wick: Chapter 4, adding another hugely capable martial artist to the ensemble alongside the legendary Donnie Yen, which sounds like a mouthwatering prospect for fans of action cinema.
Reports touted Snipes as being in talks to play a mysterious swordsman, which would have no doubt leaned into his baggage as the original big screen Blade. It would have also marked another milestone for the actor as he embarks on the mainstream comeback trail following a decade in the VOD wilderness, which has seen him pop up in acclaimed biopic Dolemite Is My Name, smash hit streaming sequel Coming 2 America and Netflix’s upcoming drama series True Story.
However, the story has since been debunked and appears to be at least a couple of months out of date, with The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit revealing that talks had long since broken down in regards to having Snipes board the Keanu Reeves franchise. It’s definitely disappointing, especially when you consider how hyped folks were getting, as you can see from some of the early reactions below.
Despite some reports, action star @wesleysnipes is NOT going to be in #JohnWick 4. There were some discussions a little while ago but it didn't work out.
— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) June 16, 2021
Really I never thought about it Wesley Snipes to join John Wick 4 this is awesome I can't wait 👍👏👏⚡🔥💯 pic.twitter.com/b6Bjhzted5
— Jimmy Ramos (@jimmylegends34) June 17, 2021
Wesley Snipes in John Wick 4 take my damm money!!!!
— Louie P (@Louiepizzle) June 17, 2021
Wesley Snipes might come out in ‘John Wick 4’?! 👀👀👀
— |j| (@JVR24_) June 17, 2021
Strong rumors swirling that Wesley Snipes is set to join John Wick 4.
My wish? That this is true and his character name is Boggle.
— Matt Malpica Reifschneider (@TheMovieMatt) June 16, 2021
https://twitter.com/THE_Stefano_DLC/status/1405277665087524867
Donnie Yen and Wesley Snipes in John wick 4 it's shaping up to be one hell of a movie😁😁😁😁
— Danny Humes (@DannyHumes5) June 16, 2021
Bill Skaresgård, Donnie yen, Shamier Anderson, Rina Sawayama and potentially Wesley snipes joining Keanu Reeves, Laurence fishburne, Ian McShane and Lance Riddick in John wick 4. This movie about to bang
— R🏴 (@ReissFerguson) June 16, 2021
Wesley Snipes in John Wick 4 pic.twitter.com/pIMsY4nykM
— Do Dirty – The 29th Kazekage (@antsinmyeyeq) June 16, 2021
First Donnie Yen, now Wesley Snipes. Damn! John Wick 4 is adding talent. Can’t wait. https://t.co/Ar46jowtmY
— Dave Smith (@DaveNOThere_) June 16, 2021
The thought of having Keanu Reeves, Wesley Snipes and Donnie Yen in a John Wick blockbuster sounds awesome, but it looks as though we’ll have to make do with two out of the three instead, which still isn’t bad. The Demolition Man and Passenger 57 star has a reputation for being something of an eccentric and prickly customer, but there’s no word on why talks between the actor and the studio broke down.
John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to kick off production imminently in Paris and Berlin in order to hit theaters in May 2022, but sadly, it’ll be without Wesley Snipes.
