"John Wick Anime Prequel: Keanu Reeves Voices Character in Tale of Impossible Task"

Exciting news for John Wick fans: the much-anticipated John Wick anime prequel film now has a confirmed setting. The announcement came during CinemaCon, where it was revealed that Keanu Reeves will return to voice his iconic character. This comes alongside the confirmation of Reeves reprising his role in the live-action John Wick 5.

The animated prequel will delve into the lore of John Wick's legendary 'Impossible Task,' a pivotal event referenced throughout the franchise that adds to the mythos and fear surrounding Wick. 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 film will be produced by the John Wick producing 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 the film is Shannon Tindle, an acclaimed figure in animation known for co-writing and directing the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising. Tindle also created the double Oscar nominee Kubo and the Two Strings and served as executive producer/showrunner on the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay will be penned by Vanessa Taylor, known for her work on Game of Thrones, Divergent, and as an Oscar nominee for her collaboration with Guillermo del Toro on The Shape of Water.

Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed his enthusiasm, 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, “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 franchise continues to expand with vigor. Alongside the four mainline films and the forthcoming John Wick 5, the universe includes two spinoff films: Ballerina, set to be released on June 6, and a yet-to-be-titled spinoff directed by and starring Donnie Yen as Caine, which is slated to begin production this summer.

Additionally, Lionsgate Television has produced The Continental: From the World of John Wick for Peacock and Amazon Prime, and the company is developing the series John Wick: Under the High Table, with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.

Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has launched an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is working on a John Wick AAA video game, further enriching the franchise's expansive universe.