Having been in development since last year, Lionsgate has now officially given the green light to an animated John Wick movie, with Keanu Reeves set to reprise his role as the titular assassin in a prequel set before the first movie in the billion dollar-grossing action franchise.
The animated film will be directed by Shannon Tindle (Ultraman: Rising) from a script by Ryan & Kaz Firpo (Eternals), and “will go back in time to tell the story of John Wick before the first film, as he completes the Impossible Task 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.”
As well as lending his voice to the project, Reeves will produce the as-yet-untitled film alongside franchise director Chad Stahelski and Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. The project is now officially in pre-production, although there’s no word on a potential release date.
The animated film marks the latest expansion to the blockbuster action franchise; in addition to four hit movies in the mainline series, we’ve also seen the three-episode limited series The Continental on Peacock, as well as last year’s spinoff film Ballerina starring Ana de Armas. Another spinoff, the Donnie Yen-directed and led Caine, wrapped principal photography earlier this year, while John Wick: Chapter 5 also remains in development.
