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Keanu Reeves Set for ‘John Wick 5’ as Franchise Expands With Animated Prequel Film, Donnie Yen-Directed Caine Spinoff
Apr
Keanu Reeves Returns for ‘John Wick 5’ as Franchise Expands
Lionsgate Confirms ‘John Wick 5’ and New Spinoffs
Keanu Reeves is set to reprise his role as the legendary assassin in John Wick 5, Lionsgate announced at CinemaCon. The action-packed franchise is also expanding with an animated prequel film and a Caine spinoff directed by martial arts icon Donnie Yen. These additions complement Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, which hits theaters on June 6.
Ana de Armas Showcases ‘Ballerina’
During the convention in Las Vegas, de Armas presented an extended look at Ballerina. The footage featured her character, Eve Macarro, taking down multiple adversaries in an abandoned bar. In preparation for the role, she underwent rigorous training for four months, including gym workouts, weapons training, and stunt rehearsals.
“Ballerina was the most physically demanding project I’ve ever done,” de Armas shared. “It was on a completely different level compared to No Time to Die.”
‘John Wick 5’ Brings Back Key Players
Before returning in John Wick 5, Reeves will make an appearance in Ballerina. The sequel reunites him with franchise director Chad Stahelski and producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. While plot details remain under wraps, the creative team emphasized their commitment to crafting a fresh and compelling chapter.
“Keanu, Chad, Basil, and Erica wouldn’t return unless they had something truly phenomenal to bring to this world,” said Lionsgate executive Adam Fogelson.
Donnie Yen Directs and Stars in Caine Spinoff
Donnie Yen, who played the blind assassin Caine in John Wick: Chapter 4, will lead and direct a new spinoff film. The story follows Caine after gaining his freedom from the High Table. Yen expressed his excitement about shaping the character’s journey.
“The John Wick franchise has set a high standard for action filmmaking,” Yen said. “I’m honored to direct and expand this world.”
The screenplay is being written by Mattson Tomlin, known for The Batman Part II, with production set to begin later this year in Hong Kong.
Animated Prequel Explores Wick’s Origins
Lionsgate is also developing an animated prequel, with Reeves lending his voice to John Wick. The film explores the assassin’s past and his infamous Impossible Task, where he eliminated all his rivals in one night to escape the High Table and be with Helen.
Shannon Tindle, known for Ultraman: Rising, will direct, while Vanessa Taylor (Game of Thrones, The Shape of Water) is writing the script.
“There’s no John Wick story fans want more than the Impossible Task,” said Fogelson. “Animation allows us to push boundaries and expand this world in ways live-action cannot.”
Future of the Franchise
With multiple projects in development, the John Wick universe continues to grow. Stahelski emphasized that anime influences have always played a role in shaping the franchise.
“John Wick is the perfect property for animation,” he explained. “It lets us expand the world, the characters, and the action like never before.”
With Reeves, Yen, and de Armas leading the way, the future of the John Wick saga looks more action-packed than ever.
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