"John Wick Anime Prequel: Keanu Reeves Voices His Impossible Task"

Excitement is building for fans of the John Wick series as a new animated prequel film has been officially announced at CinemaCon. Keanu Reeves is set to reprise his role as the iconic assassin, voicing John Wick in this thrilling new venture. This announcement comes hot on the heels of the confirmation that Reeves will also return for the live-action "John Wick 5."

The animated prequel will delve into the backstory of John Wick, focusing on the legendary 'Impossible Task.' This task, often mentioned in the films, involves Wick eliminating all his rivals in a single night, a feat that not only cements his fearsome reputation but also allows him to break free from the High Table's control and reunite with his beloved Helen.

Here's the official synopsis:

The animated film will go back in time to tell the story of John Wick before the first film, as he completes the Impossible Task — the killing of 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.

Like the live-action feature films, the animated movie will deliver the highly stylized and defined action that John Wick fans expect and will be aimed at more mature audiences.

The project will be produced by the familiar John Wick team, including Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves himself. Executive producers will be 87Eleven Entertainment's Alex Young and Jason Spitz.

Directing this ambitious project is Shannon Tindle, an animation industry veteran. Tindle's recent work includes co-writing and directing the Annie-nominated Netflix film "Ultraman: Rising." He also created the double Oscar-nominated "Kubo and the Two Strings" and was the executive producer/showrunner for the Emmy-winning series "Lost Ollie." The screenplay will be penned by Vanessa Taylor, known for her work on "Game of Thrones," "Divergent," and her Oscar-nominated contribution to "The Shape of Water."

Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "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. Shannon’s take on that story is an incredible one, and we are beyond excited to see what John Wick can do in animation."

Chad Stahelski, who has been instrumental in shaping the John Wick universe, 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."

John Wick 4: The Cast of the Action Sequel

13 Images

The John Wick franchise is experiencing a significant expansion. Alongside the four mainline films and the upcoming "John Wick 5," the universe is growing with two spinoff films: "Ballerina," slated for release on June 6, and a yet-to-be-titled spinoff directed by and starring Donnie Yen as his character Caine, which is set to begin production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also ventured into the John Wick world with "The Continental: From the World of John Wick," available on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Additionally, the studio is developing "John Wick: Under the High Table," with Stahelski and Reeves as executive producers.

Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has launched an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is working on a AAA John Wick video game, further expanding the franchise's reach and engagement with fans.