The highly anticipated John Wick anime prequel film now has a confirmed setting, as revealed at CinemaCon. Keanu Reeves will lend his voice to the character once more, in addition to reprising his role in the upcoming live-action film, John Wick 5. This animated prequel will delve into the legendary 'Impossible Task' referenced throughout the John Wick series, shedding light on the mythos and dread that surround the character.
Here's the official synopsis:
The animated film will go back in time to tell the story of John Wick before the first film, as he completes the Impossible Task — the killing of all of his rivals in one night — 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.
Like the live-action feature films, the animated movie will deliver the highly stylized and defined action that John Wick fans expect and will be aimed at more mature audiences.
The film will be produced by the John Wick team, including Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment will serve as executive producers.
Directed by animation veteran Shannon Tindle, known for his work on the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising, the double Oscar nominee Kubo and the Two Strings, and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie, the film promises to be a visual spectacle. The screenplay will be penned by Vanessa Taylor, acclaimed for her work on Game of Thrones, Divergent, and as an Oscar nominee for 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 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."
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The John Wick franchise is experiencing a surge in activity. Beyond the four mainline films and the newly announced John Wick 5, the universe is expanding with two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and a film directed by and starring Donnie Yen reprising his role as Caine, which is slated to start production this summer.
Lionsgate Television has also ventured into the John Wick universe 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 television and film, Lionsgate has opened an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is working on a John Wick AAA video game, further expanding the franchise's reach and engagement with fans.
