Exciting news for fans of the John Wick franchise: the much-anticipated John Wick anime prequel film has finally confirmed its setting. Announced at CinemaCon, this animated venture will feature Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role as John Wick, lending his voice to the character. This comes alongside the recent confirmation of Reeves returning for the live-action John Wick 5.
The animated prequel will delve into the lore of John Wick by exploring his legendary 'Impossible Task.' This pivotal event, often referenced in the films, significantly contributes to the mythos and the aura of fear surrounding Wick's 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 is being produced by the John Wick producing team, including Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Executive producers include 87Eleven Entertainment's Alex Young and Jason Spitz.
Directing the film is Shannon Tindle, an acclaimed animation veteran known for co-writing and directing the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising. Tindle also created the double Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings and served as executive producer/showrunner on the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay is penned by Vanessa Taylor, known 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 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. In addition to the four mainline films already released and the upcoming John Wick 5, the John Wick Universe is expanding with two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and a spinoff directed by and starring Donnie Yen as his character 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 Lionsgate is developing the series John Wick: Under the High Table, with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.
Beyond the screen, 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.
