Keanu Reeves Voices John Wick in Anime Prequel Film

Exciting news for fans of the John Wick franchise: the much-anticipated John Wick anime prequel film has finally secured its setting. This revelation came during CinemaCon, where it was also confirmed that Keanu Reeves will lend his voice to the character once again. This is in addition to his confirmed return 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 referenced in the films that has contributed significantly to the mythos—and 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 will be produced by the seasoned John Wick team, including Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Executive producers will be 87Eleven Entertainment's Alex Young and Jason Spitz.

Directing this thrilling venture is Shannon Tindle, a well-respected figure in animation 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 collaboration with Guillermo del Toro on The Shape of Water.

Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed his enthusiasm: "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 thoughts: "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."

John Wick 4: The Cast of the Action Sequel

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The John Wick franchise is experiencing a surge of activity. In addition to the four mainline films already released and the newly announced 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 reprising his Caine character, which will start production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also ventured into the franchise with The Continental: From the World of John Wick, available on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Additionally, Lionsgate confirmed the development of the series John Wick: Under the High Table, with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves serving as executive producers.

Beyond television and film, Lionsgate has opened an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a John Wick AAA video game, further expanding the reach and engagement of this billion-dollar franchise.