If you can succeed with this project without John, that can get you over the short-term problem. Then, dealing with him in the long-term can be handled as a less immediate emergency. I am sure you can add to this list. Then find a way to test the accuracy of your assumptions about his interests. So perhaps you can trade those valuable interests of his for your own valuable priorities.
Negotiation is the way people trade valuables in a civilized manner.
Note that I have focused heavily on questions. While a good teacher or doctor may walk into the room knowing the answers, a good negotiator knows the questions to ask.