"Keanu Reeves Voices John Wick in Anime Prequel Film"

The John Wick anime prequel film has now been set in a thrilling new direction, announced during CinemaCon. Fans will be thrilled to learn that Keanu Reeves will once again lend his voice to the iconic character, adding to his already confirmed return in the live-action John Wick 5.

This animated film will delve into the lore of John Wick by exploring the legendary 'Impossible Task.' This pivotal event, often mentioned in the movies, played a crucial role in building the mystique and fear surrounding Wick. The story will take us back in time, before the events of the first film, to witness John Wick's audacious endeavor to eliminate all his rivals in a single night. This daunting mission is his path to liberation from the High Table and a chance to reunite with his beloved Helen.

The official synopsis promises a film that retains the signature high-octane, stylized action that fans adore, while targeting a mature audience. The project is in the capable hands of the John Wick producing team, including Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment’s Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves himself. Additionally, 87Eleven Entertainment’s Alex Young and Jason Spitz will serve as executive producers.

The film is set to be directed by animation veteran Shannon Tindle, who recently co-wrote and directed the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising. Tindle's impressive portfolio also includes the double Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay is being 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 excitement 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 enthusiasm, noting the influence of anime on the John Wick series and his eagerness to explore this new medium: "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 an unprecedented expansion across various media. In addition to the four mainline films and the upcoming John Wick 5, the universe is growing with two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and a yet-to-be-titled film directed by and starring Donnie Yen, reprising his role as Caine, which will start production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also brought The Continental: From the World of John Wick to Peacock and Amazon Prime. Furthermore, the series John Wick: Under the High Table is in development, with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.

Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has opened an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a AAA video game set in the John Wick universe. This multi-faceted approach showcases the enduring appeal and expansive potential of the John Wick saga.