The John Wick franchise continues to expand with the announcement of an anime prequel film, which will explore the legendary 'Impossible Task' that helped shape John Wick's fearsome reputation. Keanu Reeves will reprise his role as John Wick, voicing the character in this animated feature, alongside his confirmed return for the live-action John Wick 5.
Set before the events of the first John Wick film, the anime will delve into the story of the Impossible Task, where John Wick undertakes the daunting challenge of eliminating all his rivals in a single night. This mission is crucial for Wick to sever his ties with the High Table and reunite with his beloved Helen.
The official synopsis reads:
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 production team includes familiar names such as Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment will serve as executive producers.
Shannon Tindle, an accomplished animator known for his work on the Netflix film Ultraman: Rising, the Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings, and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie, will direct the film. Vanessa Taylor, renowned for her contributions to Game of Thrones, Divergent, and the Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water, will pen the screenplay.
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 also shared his excitement, 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 a yet-to-be-titled project directed by and starring Donnie Yen, which will begin production this summer.
Lionsgate Television has also ventured into the John Wick world with the series 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 serving as executive producers.
Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has introduced an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a AAA video game based on the franchise.
