The John Wick anime prequel film has finally secured its setting, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Announced at CinemaCon, this animated venture will see Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role as John Wick, lending his voice to the character. This news comes alongside the confirmation of Reeves returning for the live-action John Wick 5.
The animated prequel will delve into the lore of John Wick's legendary 'Impossible Task,' a pivotal event mentioned in the films that has contributed significantly to the mystique and fear surrounding Wick. The official synopsis reveals that the film will take us back in time, before the events of the first movie, to witness John Wick as he undertakes the Impossible Task. This involves eliminating all his rivals in a single night, a feat that would free him from his obligations to the High Table and allow him to reunite with his beloved Helen.
Like its live-action counterparts, the animated film promises to deliver the high-octane, stylized action that fans have come to expect from the John Wick series. It is also aimed at a mature audience, ensuring that the intensity and themes remain consistent with the franchise's established tone.
The project is being produced by the core 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 Entertainment's Alex Young and Jason Spitz.
Directing the film is Shannon Tindle, a seasoned animator 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, acclaimed for her work on Game of Thrones, Divergent, and her Oscar-nominated contribution to 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 also shared his excitement, noting the influence of anime on the John Wick series and the potential for expanding the franchise's universe through this medium. "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," he said.
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The John Wick franchise is experiencing a surge in activity. In addition to the four mainline films already released and the upcoming John Wick 5, the universe is expanding with two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and another featuring Donnie Yen reprising his role as Caine, which is slated to begin production this summer.
Lionsgate Television has also contributed to the franchise's growth 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 the screen, Lionsgate has launched an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a AAA video game, further expanding the franchise's reach and engagement with fans.
