"John Wick Anime Prequel: Keanu Reeves Voices Character's Impossible Task"

Exciting news for fans of the high-octane John Wick franchise: the long-awaited anime prequel film now has a confirmed setting, announced at CinemaCon. This animated venture will feature Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role as John Wick, in addition to his confirmed return for the live-action John Wick 5.

The animated prequel delves into the lore of John Wick’s legendary ‘Impossible Task,’ a pivotal event referenced in the films that shapes Wick’s fearsome reputation. The official synopsis reveals that the film will take us back in time, exploring John Wick's journey as he embarks on the Impossible Task — eliminating all his rivals in one night — in a bid to break free from the High Table and reunite with his beloved Helen.

Much like its live-action counterparts, the animated film promises to deliver the intense, stylized action that fans have come to expect from the John Wick series. It is tailored for mature audiences, ensuring the same gritty and gripping experience.

The project is being produced by the seasoned John Wick team, including Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment’s Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Executive producers include 87Eleven Entertainment’s Alex Young and Jason Spitz.

Directing this ambitious project is Shannon Tindle, an acclaimed figure in animation known for his work on the Annie-nominated Ultraman: Rising, the double Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings, and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay is penned by Vanessa Taylor, celebrated for her contributions to Game of Thrones, Divergent, and her Oscar-nominated work on 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 added his perspective, saying, “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.”

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The John Wick universe is expanding rapidly. Alongside the four mainline films and the upcoming John Wick 5, the franchise includes two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and another directed by and starring Donnie Yen as his character Caine, which is slated to begin production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also contributed to the franchise with The Continental: From the World of John Wick, available on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Additionally, Lionsgate is developing the series John Wick: Under the High Table, with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.

Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has opened an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is working on a AAA video game, further enriching the John Wick universe for fans worldwide.