Lionsgate greenlights animated John Wick prequel starring Keanu Reeves

Lionsgate has officially greenlit an animated prequel film centered on the character John Wick. Keanu Reeves has signed a deal to return to the role of the assassin.

Production Details

Shannon Tindle, known for "Ultraman: Rising" and "Kubo and the Two Strings," will direct the film. The script was written by Ryan and Kaz Firpo.

According to reports from Variety and Deadline, the producing team includes:

• Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road
• Chad Stahelski of 87Eleven Entertainment
• Keanu Reeves
• Point Grey

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer noted in comments following quarterly earnings that the film is currently in preproduction.

Story and Franchise Context

The animated feature will serve as a prequel, recounting the origins of Wick. The plot follows the character as he completes the "Impossible Task"—the killing of all his rivals in a single night—to free himself from his obligation to the High Table and earn the right to be with Helen.

Lionsgate is continuing to expand the franchise, which has grossed more than $1 billion at the global box office across five movies, including the spinoff "Ballerina." Other projects in development include a fifth live-action "John Wick" film and a standalone adventure based on the character Caine, a blind assassin played by Donnie Yen.

Why it matters

Lionsgate is leveraging the billion-dollar "John Wick" franchise by expanding into animation to explore the character's backstory through the "Impossible Task" narrative.

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Sources

• variety.com: Keanu Reeves to Voice John Wick in Animated Movie Prequel
• deadline.com: Lionsgate Greenlights Animated John Wick Film With Keanu Reaves

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