Exciting news for fans of the John Wick franchise: an anime prequel film has been confirmed, setting the stage for an exploration of John Wick's legendary past. Announced at CinemaCon, this animated project will feature Keanu Reeves reprising his role as the iconic hitman, adding to his already confirmed return for the live-action John Wick 5.

The anime will delve into the backstory of John Wick, focusing on his 'Impossible Task'—a pivotal event mentioned in the films that significantly shapes Wick's fearsome reputation. According to the official synopsis, the movie will take viewers back in time to witness John Wick as he embarks on a mission to eliminate all his rivals in one night, a feat that would free him from his obligations to the High Table and allow him to reunite with his beloved Helen.

Fans can expect the same high-octane, stylized action that the John Wick series is renowned for, tailored for mature audiences. The film is being produced by the trusted John Wick team, including Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves himself. Executive producers Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment are also on board.

Directing this ambitious project is Shannon Tindle, a seasoned animator known for his work on the acclaimed Netflix film Ultraman: Rising, the Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings, and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay is penned by Vanessa Taylor, celebrated for her contributions to Game of Thrones, Divergent, and her Oscar-nominated work on 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 shared his excitement about blending the world of John Wick with anime, noting, "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 universe is expanding rapidly. In addition to the four mainline films and the upcoming John Wick 5, the franchise includes two spinoff films: Ballerina, set to release on June 6, and a project directed by and starring Donnie Yen as Caine, which will start production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also ventured into the John Wick universe with The Continental: From the World of John Wick, available on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Furthermore, Lionsgate is developing another 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 AAA video game, ensuring that fans have multiple avenues to engage with this thrilling universe.