The John Wick franchise feels unstoppable at this point, much like the assassin it’s named after. Following the massive success of John Wick: Chapter 4, which grossed over $440 million at the worldwide box office, the deadly world of assassins and million-dollar contracts is about to get even bigger. After discussing the upcoming Ballerina spin-off movie starring Ana de Armas, Lionsgate announced a slate of new films from the world of John Wick at CinemaCon 2025. From an animated prequel to a new spin-off centered on a fan-favorite character, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming years from Lionsgate, Thunder Road, & 87North Productions.
Ultraman Rising Director Shannon Tindle Will Helm an Animated John Wick Prequel
Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, took to the stage at CinemaCon 2025 to give an exciting update on the previously announced John Wick animated film prequel. Taking place before the events of the first movie, the upcoming feature is set to depict the legendary assassin in the medium of animation as he sets off to complete his impossible task to free himself from his obligation to the High Table. Fans know that he did this by killing all of his rivals in one night, his main motivation being to finally be with the love of his life, Helen, in peace.
Now, this story has recruited director Shannon Tindle, an animation veteran who recently co-directed and co-wrote Ultraman Rising for Netflix. He also wrote the story for Kubo and the Two Strings at Laika Studios. Screenwriter Vanessa Taylor has signed onto the animated prequel. She is best known for being a writer and co-executive producer on Game of Thrones, as well as a co-writing Guillermo del Toro‘s Oscar-winning The Shape of Water. Additionally, Keanu Reeves is confirmed to return to voice John. There is some seriously impressive talent behind the project, keeping in line with the high standard of the previous John Wick movies.
The Animated John Wick Film Will Be Inspired by Anime
Adam Fogelson spoke on the John Wick animated movie, saying, “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.” Animation will undoubtedly lead to some of the most stylized and aesthetically pleasing action sequences the franchise has seen to date.
Chad Stahelski, director of the four mainline John Wick films, provided his comments on the animated project, revealing the animation style it’s going to be modeled after. “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.”
Donnie Yen Will Direct and Star in a Caine Spin-Off Movie
Another exciting update came in the form of an official announcement for something that’s already been teased and talked about for some time. Caine, the blind assassin tasked with killing John Wick in Chapter 4, will be the star of his own spin-off feature, set to begin production later in 2025. Moreover, Donnie Yen is now confirmed to be directing himself in the movie, with a screenplay written by Mattson Tomlin (Terminator Zero, The Batman Part II).
What’s most thrilling about Caine is the reveal that it will be modeled closely after the Hong Kong action cinema that propelled Donnie Yen to stardom. Rather than replicating what came before in previous John Wick installments and even Ballerina, the Caine spin-off film will play to Yen’s strengths while showcasing the potential for future entries to deviate from the Gun-Fu that’s become a mainstay of the series.
Fogelson would say at Cinemacon 2025 that “from the moment Chad and Donnie pitched the idea of a Donnie Yen-style action film in the mode of John Wick, I was all in. Donnie is not only an incredible, charismatic star but a smart, cinematic director who knows how to deliver massively entertaining action for a global audience. We’re thrilled that he’s in the director’s chair to tell Caine’s story.”
Caine Will Lean Into Action Inspired by Hong Kong Action Cinema
Chad Stahleski has expressed nothing but excitement for Caine, as well. He states, “One of my favorite characters in the John Wick world is Caine. To have the chance to dive into his world and discover all his adventures excites us all. We envision a modern-day kung-fu classic that explores the John Wick world, and who better to helm it than Donnie Yen himself? His understanding of the culture, the world, and, of course, the action, makes him the perfect director for this project.”
Franchise producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee commented on how Caine would lean into the “Hong Kong-style action” that Yen is familiar with. Interestingly, the logline for the film is being kept under wraps, and all that is known about the story so far is that it will take place after the events of John Wick: Chapter 4, when Caine has been freed from his obligations to the High Table. Whether that will involve Akira Shimazu (Rina Sawayama) seeking her revenge, as teased in the post-credits scene of Chapter 4, remains to be seen.
John Wick: Chapter 5 is Officially in Development
Despite John Wick: Chapter 4 ending with the death of Keanu Reeves’ titular assassin, it seems that not even that can keep the Baba Yaga down. Without question, the most shocking announcement from Lionsgate at CinemaCon 2025 was that John Wick: Chapter 5 is officially entering development. Every John Wick movie released up to this point has earned more at the box office than its predecessor. This rare achievement proves itself as an action franchise that bridges the gap between high-quality filmmaking and commercial success.
Of course, given how emotionally resonant and high-octane of a conclusion Chapter 4 was, there are bound to be some reservations about returning to the series. However, Adam Fogelson reassured CinemaCon attendees, saying, “Keanu, Chad, Basil, and Erica would not return unless they had something truly phenomenal and fresh to say with these characters and this world. We can’t wait for audiences to see where the journey takes us next.”
Producers Basil Iwanyk and Eric Lee also provided their comments to the press. “It’s so important to get this story right and give John’s story the proper next step. It’s exciting to take the first step on that road.” In an age of unnecessary sequels, prequels, and remakes, the world of John Wick feels like a breath of fresh air, with each of these announcements unique to its creative team and storytelling ambitions. With Ballerina hitting theaters this summer, John Wick fans can expect the Ana de Armas-led spin-off film to be only the first of many.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina hits theaters on June 6, 2025!
Release Date: June 6, 2025.
Directed by Len Wiseman.
Written by Shay Hatten.
Based on characters by Derek Kolstad.
Produced by Chad Stahelski, Basil Iwanyk, & Erica Lee.
Executive Producers: Kaley Smalley Romo & Kevan Van Thompson.
Main Cast: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, & David Castañeda.
Cinematographer: Romain Lacourbas.
Composers: Tyler Bates & Joel J. Richard.
Production Companies: Summit Entertainment, Thunder Road Films & 87North Productions.
Distributor: Lionsgate Pictures.
Rated R.
