Exciting news for fans of the John Wick series: the highly anticipated John Wick anime prequel film has finally confirmed its setting. Announced during CinemaCon, this animated movie will feature Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Wick, voicing the iconic character. This comes on the heels of Reeves' confirmed return for the live-action John Wick 5.
The animated prequel will delve into the legendary 'Impossible Task' that John Wick undertakes, a pivotal event referenced in the films that adds to the mythos and aura of dread surrounding his character. The official synopsis reveals that the film will take us back in time, showcasing John Wick's journey to complete the Impossible Task — the elimination of all his rivals in one night. This mission is crucial for Wick to free himself from his obligations to the High Table and to be with his beloved Helen.
Much like the live-action films, the animated movie promises to deliver the high-octane, stylized action sequences that fans have come to expect, targeting a mature audience. The project 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 himself. Executive producers include 87Eleven's Alex Young and Jason Spitz.
The film will be directed by animation veteran Shannon Tindle, 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, who has an impressive resume including Game of Thrones, Divergent, and an Oscar nomination 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 shared his excitement about the anime adaptation, saying, "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 of activity. Alongside the four mainline films and the forthcoming John Wick 5, the universe is expanding with two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and another starring Donnie Yen reprising his role as Caine, which is slated to begin production this summer.
Lionsgate Television has also produced The Continental: From the World of John Wick for Peacock and Amazon Prime, and is developing the series John Wick: Under the High Table, with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves as executive producers. Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has launched an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is working on a AAA video game based on the franchise.
