Rina Sawayama to Reprise Role as Akira in Donnie Yen’s ‘John Wick’ Spinoff ‘Caine,’ Lionsgate Launching Sales in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)

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Akira is coming back for more John Wick ass-kicking.

Actress Rina Sawayama, adored by fans following her fearless portrayal as Shimazu Koji’s daughter in “John Wick: Chapter 4,” starring Hiroyuki Sanada, is set to return to the franchise, this time appearing alongside Donnie Yen in the spinoff titled “Caine,” produced by Lionsgate.

For the first time, “Caine” was formally introduced at CinemaCon. Similarly to “John Wick,” this film is being helmed by director Yen, and it’s being produced by franchise veterans Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee (from “John Wick” chapters 1-4, “Ballerina,” and “Monkey Man”). The production companies involved are Thunder Road, led by Iwanyk and Lee, and 87Eleven Entertainment, headed by Chad Stahelski (of “John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum,” “Day Shift,” and upcoming “John Wick: Chapter 4”). Yen will also assume the role of an executive producer in this project.

Lionsgate will begin selling the upcoming project (scheduled for filming later this year) at the Cannes Film Festival.

Stahelski praised Rina, saying, “She’s incredibly impressive,” regarding her performance in Chapter 4. He’s eagerly anticipating the moment when her character interacts with Caine once more.

I’m thrilled to have Rina rejoin our team for this new adventure! I look forward to the opportunity to further develop her captivating character, as seen in John Wick: Chapter 4.

This movie is being marketed as a high-octane action thriller reminiscent of the ones that boosted Yen’s fame, with the fresh script penned by Mattson Tomlin (who is working on “The Batman Part II” and “BRZRKR”). Earlier versions were crafted by Robert Askins.

Chapter 4,” as Caine is now liberated from his vows to the High Table.

The movie is currently under development, which is part of Stahelski’s agreement with Lionsgate. He is in charge of expanding the world of John Wick.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t contain my excitement about John Wick: Chapter 4! This latest installment has introduced us to a host of fascinating, unique characters like Akira. It’s fantastic news that Rina will be rejoining the franchise, because it means we’ll get to witness more of Caine and Akira’s unresolved conflicts. The upcoming chapter promises to be nothing short of explosive! (This is Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, speaking.)

Iwanyk’s comment: “Rina is going to be an outstanding fit for this movie, and we can’t wait to get back to the John Wick universe with her as we begin filming shortly.” (Returning to Caine’s corner was implied by referring to the John Wick universe)

Caine” is the newest installment in the growing John Wick universe, with the initial spinoff being “Ballerina,” featuring Ana de Armas as a Ruska Roma-trained assassin. Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, this film is based on characters created by Derek Kolstad and produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski. The movie will hit theaters on June 6.

Lionsgate has recently disclosed that they’re developing an animated John Wick movie, with Shannon Tindle set as director and Vanessa Taylor as writer. They are also working on a fifth installment in the John Wick series.

Sawayama is represented by Paradigm and Wasserman Music.

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2025-05-05 17:47