Exciting news for John Wick fans: the much-anticipated John Wick anime prequel film has finally confirmed its setting. Revealed at CinemaCon, the animated movie will feature Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Wick, adding to his already confirmed return for the live-action John Wick 5.
This animated prequel will delve into the legendary 'Impossible Task' mentioned in the John Wick films, enhancing the mythos and fear surrounding the character. The story will take us back in time to before the first film, where John Wick undertakes the daunting challenge of eliminating all his rivals in one night. This mission aims to free him from his obligations to the High Table and allow him to reunite with his love, Helen.
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 is being produced by the core John Wick production team, including Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Additionally, Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment will serve as executive producers.
Directing the project is Shannon Tindle, a seasoned animator who recently co-wrote and directed the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising. Tindle's impressive resume also includes the double Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay is penned by Vanessa Taylor, known 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 also shared his excitement, 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 in activity. Alongside 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 another featuring 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 Stahelski and Reeves as executive producers.
Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has launched an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a John Wick AAA video game, further expanding the franchise's reach and engagement with fans.
