Sequels to blockbusters set to dominate theaters in first half of 2023

From left, main posters for “John Wick 4,” “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3,” “Fast and Furious: Ride or Die” and “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1” [RED EYES ENTERTAINMENT]

A string of sequels to legendary blockbusters are set for domestic release in Korea beginning in April, including “John Wick 4,” “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3,” “Fast and Furious: Ride or Die” and “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part1.”

“John Wick 4,” the latest sequel to the box-office-breaking John Wick series, is set to break even more records, according to distributor Red Eyes Entertainment. Starring Keanu Reeves in the titular John Wick role of a hit-man, the latest installment has expanded locations to France and Germany, with new action challenges for Reeves. “John Wick 4” is set to open in Korea in April.

“Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3,” directed once again by James Gunn who helmed the previous Guardians of the Galaxy installments, will continue the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the trailer for the film released this week, Gamora, a central character who was sacrificed in “Avengers: Infinity War,” makes an appearance. Viewers can expect to be surprised. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3” will hit theaters in May.

“Fast and Furious: Ride or Die,” the tenth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise, will feature veteran actor Vin Diesel, along with Jason Statham, John Cena and Charlize Theron. Whether this new installment can revive the franchise from its long period of lag — the performance of the Fast and Furious series has been sluggish — is a point up in the air. “Fast and Furious: Ride or Die” opens in Korean theaters also in May.

Tom Cruise returns in the Mission Impossible end-game sequel “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 2,” playing Ethan Hunt once again. Cruise revealed in a press release that he had completed more than 500 skydives and 13,000 motor-cross jumps (motorcycle base jumps) to perfect the action sequences in the upcoming film. “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 2” will open in Korean theaters in July.

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]