Keanu Reeves Set for ‘John Wick 5’ as Franchise Expands With Animated Prequel Film, Donnie Yen-Directed Caine Spinoff

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Get ready for more “John Wick.”

Keanu Reeves is coming back for “John Wick 5,” playing his character John Wick, the guy with nunchucks and a hitman job description, as Lionsgate revealed at CinemaCon on Tuesday. In addition to this, the action series is growing with an animated prequel movie and a spin-off focusing on Donnie Yen’s character, both of which are separate from “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas. This film is set to hit theaters on June 6th.

At this year’s gathering of cinema theater proprietors, taking place in Las Vegas, De Armas made a visit to present a more comprehensive sneak peek of “Ballerina.” In the thrilling scene, her character Eve Macarro, a ballet dancer transforming into an assassin, demonstrates her fighting skills as she confronts numerous opponents in a deserted tavern — firing at one villain and shattering several plates against another foe.

Even though she carried out numerous demanding physical tasks in the 2021 “James Bond” film “No Time to Die,” de Armas mentioned that her preparation for “Ballerina” was unlike anything she’s experienced before. She spent about four months preparing, which included gym workouts, visits to a firing range (using real firearms), and numerous hours with the stunt team.

De Armas stated from the stage at Caesar’s Palace’s Colosseum, ‘Training for ‘Bond’ was just three weeks compared to being a ‘ballerina’, which was an entirely different league. This is undeniably the most demanding and physically taxing task I’ve ever undertaken.’

In “Ballerina”, Reeves will make an appearance prior to his return in “John Wick 5”. This venture brings him back together with the franchise’s director and producer, Chad Stahelski, as well as producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road. As of now, specific plot points, extra cast members, production timeline remain undisclosed.

The fifth installment in the “John Wick” series progressively increased its success at the box office. Starting from the original movie released in 2014, which earned $86.1 million worldwide and gained popularity on home entertainment platforms, each subsequent film surpassed its predecessor in earnings. For example, “John Wick: Chapter 2” (released in 2017) made $174.3 million, while “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” (released in 2019) climbed to $328.3 million. The latest film, “John Wick: Chapter 4,” which came out in 2023, set a new record as the highest-grossing film of the series with $440 million.

Keanu Reeves, Chad Stahelski, Basil Iwanyk, and Erica Lee won’t rejoin unless they have a remarkable and novel idea for these characters and this universe,” Fogelson explained. Iwanyk and Lee also emphasized, “It’s crucial to tell John’s story correctly and provide the right continuation. It’s thrilling to embark on this journey as we take the initial steps.

In a self-contained project, the renowned martial arts master, Yen, is set to return as the blind assassin Caine from “John Wick: Chapter 4”. Not only will he reprise his acting role, but Yen will also take on the roles of director and executive producer for this unnamed film. Production for this project is scheduled to start in Hong Kong later in the year.

Mattson Tomlin, creator of “The Batman Part II’s” next chapter and the comic book adaptation “BRZRKR,” penned by Reeves, is now on board to contribute to the project. Previously, Robert Askins wrote a draft for the screenplay. Iwanyk, Lee, and Stahelski will also produce this spin-off.

Although details about the plot are being kept secret, the movie will carry on the narrative thread of Yen’s character from “John Wick: Chapter 4,” as Caine has been liberated from his commitments to the High Table. Lionsgate portrayed the upcoming film as emulating the distinctive action style that Yen played a significant role in popularizing. Known for blockbuster hits like “Star Wars: Rogue One” and “xXx: Return of Xander Cage,” this Hong Kong star has been instrumental in bringing mixed martial arts into mainstream cinema with films such as “Flashpoint” and the “IP Man” series.

As soon as Chad and Donnie proposed creating an action film similar to John Wick but featuring Donnie Yen, I was immediately on board,” Fogelson expressed. “Not only is Donnie a captivating actor, but he’s also a savvy director with a knack for creating high-octane action that appeals to a worldwide audience. We’re delighted that he’ll be directing the film to bring Caine’s tale to life.

Yen commented, “The ‘John Wick’ movies have truly raised the bar in action movie production, and I’m grateful to Lionsgate for letting me contribute to enhancing this series even more. I’m excited and greatly motivated to bring this vision to life.

Stahelski described the film as a “modern day kung-fu classic that explores the John Wick world.”

One character I really enjoy from the John Wick universe is Caine. The idea of exploring his story and uncovering his past exploits really gets me pumped,” Stahelski expressed. “And who could be more suited to lead it than Donnie Yen himself. His familiarity with the culture, the setting, and undeniably, the action sequences, make him an ideal director for this project.

In the upcoming animated prequel movie, Reeves will provide the voice for his iconic character. The narrative, intended for older viewers, takes us back in history preceding the original film. It delves into the story of John Wick carrying out the Impossible Task – eliminating all rivals in a single night – to escape his bondage to the High Table and win the freedom to be with the woman he loves, Helen. (Regrettably, we’re aware of how that ended.)

Shannon Tindle, an experienced animator behind Netflix’s “Ultraman: Rising,” is taking charge as director. On the other hand, Vanessa Taylor, a well-known writer and producer recognized for her work on “Game of Thrones,” “Divergent,” and Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water,” is crafting the script.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for the boundless potential that both the animated realm and the gritty world of ‘John Wick’ possess. Among all the tales from this beloved franchise, it’s the Impossible Task storyline that fans are yearning to see unfold even further.

In the capable hands of Shannon, this captivating narrative takes on a new life, leaving me eagerly anticipating the animated adventure that awaits our favorite assassin. The prospect of witnessing John Wick’s exploits in this unique format is nothing short of exhilarating!

It’s no shocker that Iwanykm Lee, Stahelski, and Reeves are set to produce an animated prequel as well. The film will be executive produced by Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment.

Stahelski has consistently found anime captivating, significantly impacting him, particularly with the ‘John Wick’ series. He believes that ‘John Wick’ is an ideal fit for this style of animation, as anime offers possibilities to broaden our universe, our characters, and our action in ways that were once thought impossible.

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2025-04-01 21:18