Keanu Reeves has officially closed a deal to reprise his role as John Wick in Lionsgate’s upcoming animated prequel movie. CEO Jon Feltheimer noted in a quarterly earnings call that the project is now in preproduction.
John Wick Animated Prequel
As previously reported, the animated movie will “go back in time to tell the story of John Wick before the first film, as he completes the Impossible Task in order to free himself from his obligation to the High Table and earn the right to be with the love of his life, Helen.“
Shannon Tindle (Ultraman: Rising) will direct from a screenplay by Ryan and Kaz Firpo. The film will be produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment’s Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves, and will be joined in the new feature by Point Grey.
“In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless,” said Lionsgate chair Adam Fogelson when the project was first announced. “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 added, “I’ve always been fascinated with anime. It has always been a huge influence on me, especially with the John Wick series. To have the opportunity to develop a John Wick anime seems to be the perfect progression for the John Wick world. 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.“
This one may be a ways off, but if done right, this could be one incredible animated action flick.
Even More John Wick
After four installments of the main story, plus the Ballerina spinoff starring Ana de Armas, there’s still more John Wick to come. Although John Wick: Chapter 4 seemingly brought the story of the legendary assassin to an end, Lionsgate has announced plans for John Wick: Chapter 5, a spinoff centering on Donnie Yen’s Caine, and even a new single-player AAA video game. Bring it on.
