"John Wick 2" hits theatres Feb. 10, 2017. (Photo : Getty Images/Jason Kempin)
Keanu Reeves is back for "John Wick 2" - the sequel to his 2014 hit. In the newly-released teaser material for the sophomore film, a scruffier Reeves suits up for the role.
The first "John Wick" film followed the titular character; a former hitman who was brought out of retirement after a group of gangsters broke into his home and killed his dog that was a gift from his wife.
In the sequel, John Wick is still out showing people that he's not someone you want to mess around with. But instead of the central conflict focusing on vengeance, John is going through an internal struggle in the sequel.
"It's basically - to me there's John Wick and then there's John. You know, John is the married guy whose wife just died, and that five years of his life. Then there's John Wick, who's the mythical assassin," Reeves told Collider about the sequel. "In this, John Wick's past comes and infiltrates John's life and John Wick, in a way, has to fight for John."
Director Chad Stahelski gave a similar answer, telling EW that the different characters introduced in the first movie, as well as John Wick's life as an assassin, will be explored in "John Wick 2."
Stahelski also promised that there's "twice as much action" in the sequel compared to the first film.
Aside from Reeves, some of the original cast members are making a comeback, including Ian McShane who's reprising his role as Winston, the owner of the Continental Hotel that accommodates the community of assassins. Lance Reddick, John Leguizamo, Bridget Moynahan and Tom Sadowski are also returning in the sequel.
"Orange Is The New Black" actress Ruby Rose and "Burnt" star Riccardo Scamarcio are some of the new cast members confirmed. Common has also been enlisted to play the main villain in "John Wick 2," wherein his character is reportedly the head of security of a female crime lord.
Lawrence Fishburne, Reeves' co-star in the "Matrix" trilogy, is making a cameo appearance, although information about his character has been kept under wraps.
"John Wick 2" hits theatres Feb. 10, 2017.
