Keanu Reeves Voices John Wick in Anime Prequel Film

The much-anticipated John Wick anime prequel film now has a confirmed setting, thrilling fans of the iconic action franchise. Announced at CinemaCon, the animated movie will feature Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Wick, lending his voice to the character. This announcement comes alongside the confirmation of Reeves returning to the role in the live-action John Wick 5.

The animated prequel will delve into the legendary 'Impossible Task,' a pivotal event referenced in the John Wick movies that has shaped the mythos and aura of fear surrounding the character. The official synopsis reveals:

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 Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment are also on board.

Directing the animated film is Shannon Tindle, an acclaimed figure in animation known for co-writing and directing the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising, creating the double Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings, and serving as executive producer/showrunner on the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay is penned by Vanessa Taylor, renowned 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 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 continues to expand across multiple platforms. In addition to the four mainline films and the upcoming John Wick 5, the universe includes 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 set to begin production this summer.

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

Beyond television and film, Lionsgate has ventured into immersive experiences with a John Wick attraction in Las Vegas and is working on a AAA John Wick video game, further enriching the expansive world of John Wick.