The highly anticipated John Wick anime prequel film has finally unveiled its setting, announced during CinemaCon. Fans will be thrilled to know that Keanu Reeves is set to reprise his iconic role as John Wick, voicing the character in this animated venture. This announcement comes alongside the confirmation of Reeves' return to the live-action format in the eagerly awaited John Wick 5.
The animated prequel will delve into the legendary 'Impossible Task,' a pivotal moment in John Wick's history that has been referenced throughout the franchise. This task, which involves eliminating all of his rivals in a single night, is crucial to understanding the mythos and fear that surrounds 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 production of the film is in the capable hands of the John Wick team, including Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment’s Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment will serve as executive producers.
Directing the animated feature is Shannon Tindle, a seasoned animation professional who recently co-wrote and directed the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising. Tindle's previous works include the double Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay will be penned by Vanessa Taylor, known for her work on Game of Thrones, Divergent, and her Oscar-nominated contribution to the Best Picture winner The Shape of Water.
Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed enthusiasm for 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, with not only the four mainline films and the upcoming John Wick 5 but also two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and a spinoff directed by and starring Donnie Yen as Caine, slated to begin production this summer.
In the realm of television, Lionsgate Television has produced The Continental: From the World of John Wick for Peacock and Amazon Prime, and is developing another series titled John Wick: Under the High Table, with Stahelski and Reeves as executive producers.
Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has expanded the John Wick universe with an immersive experience in Las Vegas and is currently developing a AAA video game based on the franchise.
