The highly anticipated John Wick anime prequel film has finally been set in a confirmed setting, announced during CinemaCon. Keanu Reeves will reprise his iconic role, lending his voice to the animated version of John Wick. This comes alongside the exciting news of Reeves returning to the character in live-action for the upcoming John Wick 5.
The animated prequel will delve into the lore of John Wick's legendary 'Impossible Task,' a pivotal event referenced in the films that adds to the mystique and fear surrounding his character. The official synopsis reveals that the film will take us back in time, before the events of the first movie, to witness John Wick as he undertakes the Impossible Task—eliminating all his rivals in a single night. This mission is crucial for him to break free from his obligations to the High Table and reunite with his beloved Helen.
Like its live-action counterparts, the animated film promises to deliver the signature stylized and intense action sequences that fans of the John Wick series have come to love. It is designed to appeal to a mature audience, maintaining the franchise's gritty and sophisticated tone.
The project is being produced by the core John Wick team, including Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves himself. Executive producers include 87Eleven Entertainment's Alex Young and Jason Spitz.
Directing the film is Shannon Tindle, a seasoned animator known for his work on the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising, the double Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings, and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay is penned by Vanessa Taylor, acclaimed for her work on Game of Thrones, Divergent, and her Oscar-nominated contribution to The Shape of Water.
Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless. And there is no John Wick story fans are clamoring for more than the Impossible Task. Shannon’s take on that story is an incredible one, and we are beyond excited to see what John Wick can do in animation."
Chad Stahelski also shared his excitement, noting the influence of anime on the John Wick series and the potential for expanding the franchise's universe through this medium. "I feel John Wick is the perfect property for this medium — anime holds the potential to expand our world, our characters, and our action in ways unimaginable before," he said.
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The John Wick franchise is experiencing a surge in activity. Alongside the four mainline films and the upcoming John Wick 5, the universe is expanding with two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and a yet-to-be-titled film directed by and starring Donnie Yen, reprising his role as Caine, which is slated to begin production this summer.
Lionsgate Television has also contributed to the franchise's growth with The Continental: From the World of John Wick, available on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Additionally, Lionsgate is developing the series John Wick: Under the High Table, with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.
Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has launched an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a AAA video game, further expanding the franchise's reach and engagement with fans.
