Donnie Yen is officially back in the John Wick franchise, as filming has started on the Caine spinoff.
Yen shared the update on Instagram, posting a shot of the production slate from the set with the caption, “Here we go…”
The slate confirms Caine is now in production, with Yen directing and starring in the film. The image also shows cinematographer Markus Förderer attached as director of photography.
Donnie Yen Returns As Caine
Yen first appeared as Caine in John Wick: Chapter 4, playing the blind assassin forced back into the world of the High Table.
The character became one of the breakout additions to the franchise, with Caine’s fighting style, history with John Wick, and personal stakes giving Lionsgate a clear path for a spinoff.
The new movie will follow Caine after the events of John Wick: Chapter 4, which ended with the character seemingly free from the High Table after completing his mission.
John Wick Franchise Keeps Expanding
The Caine spinoff is part of Lionsgate’s larger push to keep the John Wick universe going beyond Keanu Reeves’ main films.
The franchise already expanded with The Continental series and the Ana de Armas spinoff Ballerina, which takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4.
Caine now gives the franchise another major character to follow, and Yen’s return should be big news for fans who wanted more from the assassin after Chapter 4. A video game is also in the works.
Donnie Yen Is Also Directing
The project also marks a major move for Donnie Yen behind the camera.
Yen has directed before, including Sakra and Legend of the Wolf, and now gets to bring his own action style into the John Wick universe.
What We Know So Far
Plot details are still being kept under wraps, but the Instagram post confirms production is underway.
The Caine spinoff does not yet have an announced release date. IMDb also lists Rina Sawayama starring as Akira.
With filming now started, more casting news and story details should begin surfacing as production continues.
