With the John Wick franchise expanding with several new projects, Donnie Yen’s upcoming spin-off focusing on his blind assassin Caine will see another returning character from John Wick: Chapter 4 as singer and actress Rina Sawayama will reprise her role as Shimazu Akira in the upcoming film.
In John Wick: Chapter 4 Sawayama’s Rina was the daughter of Hiroyuki Sanada’s Shimazu Koji, the manager of the Osoka Continental and one of John’s oldest friends. After offering John aid in his battle against the High Table, Koji was killed by Caine in a duel in front of Akira who vowed vengeance. The post-credits scene of Chapter 4 teased Akira making good on her promise as she was seen sneaking up to Caine with a knife.
There are no details on the currently untitled Caine spin-off, but Lionsgate has described it as a “Hong Kong-style action thriller.” As well as leading the film, Yen will produce and direct it as his directorial debut from a script by The Batman Part II and BRZRKR writer Mattson Tomlin based on a previous draft by Robert Askins.
“Rina is such a badass,” John Wick creator and director Chad Stahelski said. “I love what she did with this role in Chapter 4 and can’t wait to see her cross paths with Caine once again.”
“Most delighted to welcome Rina back into this new exciting journey with us,” said Yen. “It will be my pleasure and attempt to elevate her amazing character that left us mesmerized from John Wick: Chapter 4!”
Stahelski will produce for 87Eleven Entertainment alongside franchise producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee for Thunder Road.
The news comes as Lionsgate’s first feature film spin-off Ballerina: From The World of John Wick will hit theatres next month. As well as the upcoming Ana de Armas film, Keanu Reeves has been officially announced to return as John Wick in both an animated prequel and John Wick: Chapter 5, apparently bringing him back from the dead.
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