As speculation swirls around a potential John Wick: Chapter 5, it appears that the producer of the John Wick franchise plans to woo Keanu Reeves back to reprising John Wick in the fifth instalment. His weapon? A trip to Japan and some whisky.

We have an idea or two exactly what sort of alcohol might coax the brooding John Wick back from the grave. Hint: they're both Japanese.

John Wick: Chapter 4, the latest instalment of the much-acclaimed action thriller franchise starring the universally beloved Keanu Reeves, left audiences around the globe in stunned silence.

The film's final climactic duel sees Wick facing off against the villainous Marquis Vincent de Gramont (portrayed by Bill Skarsgard). Despite defeating the Marquis, Wick was severely wounded. In a poignant moment, Wick utters the name of his late wife, "Helen," before seemingly succumbing to his injuries. The film's final shot was of Winston (Ian McShane), Wick's ally, standing over Wick's grave. Surely we won't be seeing John Wick return back.

However, as the credits rolled and film outperformed box office records once again, there are now rumours that John Wick might actually defy death as he has done time and time again. Would Keanu Reeves be back?

According to John Wick producer Basil Iwanyk, the answer lies in a discussion he would be having alone with Reeves in the duo's trip to Japan. The topic? A potential John Wick: Chapter 5. Iwanyk mentioned that he would be bringing some bottles of whisky.

If Iwanyk and Reeves are headed to a bar in their Japan trip, there's a good chance they would be headed to Tokyo's Bar High Five which makes Reeves' self-professed favourite cocktail.

During a friendly Reddit AMA session, Reeves fondly recalled bar owner Ueno-san crafting a sublime matcha cocktail in recent work trip to Tokyo. "Oh my god" was his reaction:

While Reeves did not remember the name of the cocktail, one cocktail from Bar High Five's House Specials might fit the bill: the Japanese Garden. It is likely that Ueno-san had swapped whisky (the original ingredient) for smoky mezcal for Reeves' cocktail, finishing it with Midori and green tea liqueur. 

Now, Reeves is also a known whisky lover. In fact, during his AMA, he confirmed that he had a fondness for Japanese whisky:

... along with motorcycles, typewriters, reading and fine red wine. What a man of culture!

Once again, Reeves did not specify his preferred brand of Japanese whisky. An educated guess would be a Yamazaki, Hibiki or Hakushu - or any one of the Suntory's.

A journey back to the early 90s and a surreal Suntory TV advertisement gave us this hint about Reeves's preference.

Reeves - still looking very fresh-faced and boyish back then - starred in a Suntory Reserve ad. The ad saw a distracted Reeves following a mysterious black cat that entered his house and eventually transformed into a beautiful female stranger... who then proceeds to beckon at the young Reeves creepily. He backs slowly away as if to tell her that he was too young for her. The ad ends with the woman or Japanese spirit offering him a glass of Suntory Reserve whisky.

It's important to acknowledge that these are our educated guesses based on Reeves's past connections and his known preferences, but it's nonetheless a fun exercise to delve into the actor's love for Japanese whisky and his fond memories at Tokyo's Bar High Five. 

The thought that a Japanese tipple might be a catalyst for his return adds an interesting dimension to our speculation of John Wick 5. But in the end, whether or not Reeves decides to take up the mantle again, there's much more left to be explored in John Wick lore and the John Wick universe. 

Fans can look forward to delving into the prequel series, The Continental, set to premiere on Peacock this coming September. The franchise would also be releasing Ballerina in 7 June 2024, which will feature the alluring Ana de Armas.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team