John Wick filmmaker Chad Stahelski quashed criticism of the fourth movie's length after it was confirmed the film would be 169 minutes long.

Speaking to Digital Spy, the director said, "If that's the critique, we'll take it," while comparing the new movie to "an opera."

Stahelski continued, "I don't think we've ever concerned ourselves, we just watch the movie. I think it's the length that we feel is the best version of the movie. We've tried longer, we've tried much shorter. That's what we feel is a good movie."

The hitman was initially slated to be released in May 2021.

But it was delayed, which called the director to refine the movie. Stahelski "tried a lot of different paths for the story," the 58-year-old added.

"They take a little time to put together, and we wanted to make sure we have the story in our head first," Stahelski continued. "I think it just took what it took. When we felt ready, we were like, 'OK, we're ready.'"

Meanwhile, the latest John Wick garnered rave first reactions after its premiere last month.