Keanu Reeves is returning as John Wick in an animated prequel being developed by Lionsgate, revisiting the role for a story about the assassin’s early years.
The film will follow Wick as he undertakes the “Impossible Task” – killing all of his rivals in a single night in order to free himself from his obligation to the High Table and earn the right to be with Helen, the love of his life.
The project will be directed by Shannon Tindle, whose previous work includes Kubo and the Two Strings and Ultraman: Rising. Ryan and Kaz Firpo have written the screenplay.
Adam Fogelson, Lionsgate’s motion picture chair, previously said the story offered a natural opportunity to explore the John Wick universe through animation.
“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’,” he said.
“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 animated prequel is among several John Wick projects in development. Lionsgate is also working on a fifth film in the series, while a standalone adventure centred on Caine, the assassin played by Donnie Yen, is also in development.
