Day Two at CinemaCon sees big announcements from Lionsgate about the expansion of its popular John Wick franchise, which includes John Wick 5, a prequel anime, news about the Donnie Yen spinoff, and of course, more of Keanu Reeves as the super assassin.
John Wick 5 is a go
Confirming all the rumors and speculation, at the Lionsgate presentation Tuesday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the studio announced John Wick: Chapter 5 is in development with Keanu Reeves back in the role and Chad Stahelski returning to direct and produce.
Lionsgate chairman Adam Folgelson said, “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 Erica Lee said, “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.”
No release date has been set and no plot details have been announced other than it known it will follow the events of John Wick: Chapter 4.
John Wick prequel anime
The John Wick prequel anime is expected to have Keanu Reeves back voicing his character. Shannon Tindle is directing, with Vanessa Taylor writing the script.
The anime prequel will go back in time to tell the story of John Wick before the first film, as he completes the Impossible Task — killing 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.
“In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless,” Fogelson said. “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.”
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.”
Iwanyk and Lee said: “Shannon has a breathtaking vision for a film we’ve all long wanted to make. Alongside Vanessa’s story, we’re hugely excited to bring it to audiences.”
Donnie Yen spinoff
The Donnie Yen John Wick spinoff was previously announced, with it learned at CinemaCon that Yen will also be directing the spinoff. Filming starts this summer.
Mattson Tomlin, who co-wrote The Batman movies, is writing the script, who also wrote Reeves’ BRZRKR comic book.
Specific plot details are unknown but the Donnie Yen spinoff will also follow the events of John Wick: Chapter 4 continuing the story of Caine who has been freed from the High Table.
No release date has been set.
“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,” said Fogelson. “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.”
Added Yen: “The John Wick films have set an immensely high standard for action filmmaking, and I greatly appreciate Lionsgate giving me the opportunity to further elevate the franchise. I am both thrilled and deeply inspired to make this happen.”
Stahelski said: “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, make him the perfect director for this project.”
Iwanyk and Lee said, “There is no one who knows this character better than Donnie, and he knows exactly how to deliver what audiences want and expect from Hong Kong-style action. He’s clearly the best choice to direct and we’re excited to begin production.”
Ballerina
Lionsgate and the John Wick franchise also have Ballerina out on June 6th starring Ana de Armas. The film follows de Armas as Even, an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma organization who sets out to seek revenge after her father’s death.
Hit me. Ana de Armas took to the custom #BallerinaMovie blackjack table at @CinemaCon. pic.twitter.com/gSK8aGf6Lt
— Ballerina (@ballerinamovie) April 2, 2025
Watch the trailer:
