Keanu Reeves to Voice John Wick in Animated Prequel Film

Lionsgate has officially greenlit an animated John Wick prequel film starring Keanu Reeves as the titular assassin.

Production Team and Story

The animated feature will be produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment’s Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves, with Point Grey joining the group. Emmy Award-winning director Shannon Tindle, known for Ultraman: Rising and Kubo and the Two Strings, will direct. Screenwriting duo Ryan and Kaz Firpo, known for Marvel’s Eternals, are writing the film.

The movie will go back in time to tell the story of John Wick before the first film, as he completes the Impossible Task 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. According to CBR, the task is said to involve the assassination of all of his rivals in a single night.

Franchise Context

Adam Fogelson, motion picture chair at Lionsgate, said at the project’s announcement: “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.”

The specific animation house responsible for the film has not yet been officially announced, and no release date has been set.

Other John Wick Projects

The animated prequel is one of several John Wick projects in development. John Wick: Chapter 5 is in the writing stages, with Chad Stahelski set to direct and Keanu Reeves reprising his role. A Caine spinoff starring Donnie Yen has completed filming. The John Wick franchise has earned more than $1 billion at the global box office across the four mainline movies and the spinoff Ballerina. Reeves is also portraying John Wick in a video game from Saber Interactive for PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, and PC.

Why it matters

The animated prequel expands the John Wick franchise into animation for the first time, exploring the backstory of the Impossible Task while live-action sequels and spinoffs continue in parallel.

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Sources

• ign.com: Animated John Wick Prequel Film in the Works Starring Keanu Reeves
• movieweb.com: Keanu Reeves' Long-Awaited 'John Wick' Prequel Takes Major Step Forward
• animationmagazine.net: Lionsgate Greenlights 'John Wick' Animated Movie Starring Keanu Reeves - Animation Magazine
• cbr.com: Keanu Reeves Officially Returns for John Wick Prequel, But There's a Catch
• collider.com: Keanu Reeves Officially Returns for New John Wick Prequel

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.