Hulu Scores Big With Full John Wick Series Days After Disney Merger Announcement

Just days after news broke that Disney is set to fold Hulu into its broader streaming empire, Hulu is making a bold move to grab attention — landing the entire John Wick action franchise on its platform starting August 15. This move seems like a last hurrah for Hulu, aiming to boost viewership and keep fans hooked as the streaming service prepares to shift gears.

The Disney-owned platform will now stream all four John Wick films, starring Keanu Reeves, giving fans a one-stop shop for one of the most beloved action series of the past decade. It’s a smart play, considering the franchise’s massive popularity and critical acclaim. Hulu follows Peacock, which snagged the same deal in May, proving there’s fierce competition for John Wick’s audience.

What This Means for Hulu and Its Future

The timing here couldn’t be more interesting. Hulu’s days as a standalone streaming service appear numbered after Disney’s recent announcement to shutter it and fold its content into Disney+ over the next year. But Hulu won’t vanish entirely. Instead, it’s set to rebrand as a general entertainment hub, focusing on a broader range of content beyond just movies and TV shows.

Bringing John Wick onboard feels like Hulu’s way of sending off with a bang — attracting action fans, Keanu Reeves enthusiasts, and binge-watchers looking for a thrill ride. It’s a strategic boost to remind viewers why Hulu was a key player in streaming for over two decades.

With this addition, Hulu is doubling down on content that hooks hardcore fans, even as Disney rethinks the platform’s role in its streaming lineup. The move highlights the ongoing battles among streaming giants to secure exclusive rights to marquee franchises.

The Rise of John Wick: From Rough Start to Cult Favorite

Believe it or not, the John Wick series almost never got off the ground. Back in 2014, Lionsgate executives were skeptical. The original movie had lukewarm test screenings, and the studio pushed back on key creative elements. But something clicked once the film hit theaters.

Keanu Reeves, as the titular assassin, quickly became iconic. The story of a retired hitman dragged back into the game after the brutal killing of his dog by Russian gangsters captured viewers’ imaginations. It wasn’t just another action flick; it had style, grit, and a neo-noir flair that set it apart.

Critics and audiences alike embraced it, and John Wick quickly morphed from a risky gamble into a full-blown franchise. The mix of slick choreography, intense gunfights, and Reeves’ understated charisma turned it into a defining action series of the 2010s.

The Franchise’s Explosive Growth and Record-Breaking Chapter 4

Since that rocky start, John Wick’s momentum has only soared. Each sequel has upped the ante, adding layers to the assassin’s world and cranking up the action to almost operatic levels. Chapter 4, released last year, stands as the franchise’s pinnacle.

It follows Wick’s brutal battle against the High Table in a quest for freedom — and maybe a final farewell. Critics loved it, giving it a franchise-high 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences weren’t far behind, with a 93% approval rating. Box office numbers blew expectations out of the water, pulling in a massive $447.3 million globally — the biggest haul for the series so far.

It’s a neo-noir action saga at its finest, blending stunning visuals, complex fight scenes, and an emotional core that keeps fans invested. This success explains why streaming platforms are so eager to snap up the series. The John Wick brand brings in hardcore fans and newcomers alike.

What Fans Can Expect and How Streaming Wars Are Shifting

Starting August 15, Hulu subscribers can dive into the whole John Wick saga in one place. For those who haven’t caught the series yet, it’s the perfect time to binge from the beginning and see how Reeves’ hitman became a legend.

This addition signals Hulu’s last big push as a standalone streaming service. As Disney preps for the big merge, it’s clear the streaming landscape keeps shifting. Platforms are scrambling to grab exclusive content that can pull in subscribers — and action franchises like John Wick are gold.

• The full John Wick lineup on Hulu includes:

  • John Wick (2014)

  • John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)

  • John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)

  • John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

For viewers, it’s a win. For streaming platforms, it’s a reminder that popular franchises still hold massive sway in a crowded market.

A Look at the Streaming Landscape Post-Merger

Disney’s plan to fold Hulu content into Disney+ reflects a broader trend in streaming consolidation. As competition heats up with Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and others, giant media companies aim to streamline their offerings.

Hulu’s pivot into a general entertainment brand suggests it will still serve a purpose, but under a new identity. Adding the John Wick series could help retain subscribers who might otherwise jump ship amid these changes.

Here’s a quick look at the current availability of John Wick films on streaming platforms:

This tug-of-war for rights is a clear sign the streaming wars are far from over.