John Wick 4’s Epic Stair Fight: The Perfect Set of Steps

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In contrast, although the ending of the movie features an intense, pistols-at-dawn style duel, this scene isn’t the climactic moment that the film builds towards. Instead, it’s the character interactions that play a more significant role in wrapping up the story. The movie’s previous scene is where the action truly peaks – a fight for the ages that takes place ascending stairs leading to the duel site. This battle reaches its peak at the iconic Sacré Coeur Basilica in Paris, offering a breathtaking view from its vantage point on Montmartre.

In addition, this sequence features a challenging trek that precedes the climactic battle in “John Wick: Chapter 4″. Although the basilica serves as an ideal location for John to find spiritual peace, it’s during the climb where the action truly heats up. Multiple paths lead to the basilica, each involving formidable staircases that have been traversed by tourists for generations. However, on this occasion, these steps are teeming with lethal assassins armed to the teeth. The film cleverly exploits the exhaustion felt by countless travelers to depict John’s penultimate test in the storyline.

The Stairs of Rue Foyatier Are Imposing

The Landmark’s History in Paris Dates Back to the 1800s

Located at the southwestern corner of Montmartre in Paris, specifically at Place Suzanne Valadon, lies the Rue Foyatier – a renowned staircase with 222 steps that soar an impressive 36 meters high. Often used for action sequences due to its deceptively steep incline, this staircase offers periodic resting platforms, which also offer breathtaking views of Paris as one climbs Montmartre. First opened in 1867, it later welcomed a tram in 1900.

Visitors should be mindful when planning their trip to Montmartre, as the climb can be quite challenging due to the stairs. However, the effort is rewarded with a stunning view and a glimpse of the iconic Sacré Coeur, one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. In the movie “John Wick: Chapter 4”, the protagonist doesn’t have the advantage of using the tram, and his grueling climb adds to the film’s intensity, creating one of its most impactful scenes.

John Wick 4 Knows How to Effectively Utilize the Stairs

The Sequence Is Constructed to Maximize the Potential of the Location

In John Wick: Chapter 4, instead of a leisurely climb with breaks on the Rue Foyatier, our protagonist finds himself pressed for time. After battling through the city, he’s now standing at the foot of the steps, facing a tight deadline to reach the top. If he can’t make it, his duel is lost, and he’ll face an immediate death sentence. This intense situation follows a grueling extended fight that leaves a trail of dead hitmen behind him. To add to his troubles, another group is lying in wait at the stairs.

In the movie, the protagonist’s ascent is likened to the ordeal of Sisyphus, a legendary Greek figure condemned to roll a massive stone uphill in the afterlife, watching it roll back down every time. John struggles from level to level until he ultimately attains the peak, but gets knocked off and plummets down 222 steps, landing at rock bottom once more. He’s given mere minutes to ascend all over again with help from Shamier Anderson’s character, Mr. Nobody. This struggle against time intensifies the pain of the task, making it feel like a relentless countdown.

One key aspect of John Wick: Chapter 4’s design was carefully selecting the ideal set of stairs for the fight, which added depth to the overall story by symbolizing John’s struggle. In the end, after all his hardships, John is rewarded with a breathtaking view at the top, as the movie subtly highlights when Winston suggests he take a look at the sunrise. This grueling stair climb aligns seamlessly with the film’s spiritual conclusion and allows viewers to empathize with John’s exhaustion, mirroring the hero’s own feelings. Remarkably, there were no special effects used to enhance the fight on these steps, making it all the more impressive.

Will There Be a John Wick 5?

Lionsgate Confirmed Chapter 5 Along With Several Other Spin-Off Projects

Although John Wick appeared to meet his end in Chapter 4, whispers soon arose about a fifth film in the series. While numerous fans look forward to witnessing more exploits from John Wick, Chapter 4 serves as a poignant conclusion to his journey and provides a well-deserved rest for this long-suffering character, as evidenced by the scene on Rue Foyatier. This heartfelt farewell understandably gives pause to both fans and creators when considering the possibility of bringing John Wick back without a compelling reason to do so.

It appears that the sentiment has shifted, as Lionsgate officially announced “John Wick: Chapter 5” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 1, 2025. With Keanu Reeves set to reprise his role, it’s clear that John Wick will return in some form, though specifics about the plot are scarce. Interestingly, he is also slated to appear in a film that falls within the series’ timeline, given that this new movie will be set between “Chapter 3” and “Chapter 4”.

Beyond Chapter 5, numerous intriguing projects are under development for the John Wick series, offering fans continued excitement. One such project delves into aspects of the world beyond the titular character, and it’s a spinoff film featuring Donnie Yen‘s character, Caine. This movie will continue the story from where Caine left off at the end of Chapter 4, with filming set to start this year. Additionally, a television series named John Wick: Under the High Table follows the narrative of Chapter 4, introducing both new and returning characters. Keanu Reeves’ John Wick enthusiasts can also expect to see him in an animated prequel film, which explores the story leading up to the mission that granted John the freedom to be with his wife. With all these forthcoming projects on the horizon, there’s plenty for John Wick fans to anticipate, even if they have reservations about Chapter 5.

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2025-05-06 04:54