'John Wick' to Get a Prequel With Keanu Reeves Returning

Lionsgate has confirmed that Keanu Reeves has officially signed on to return as John Wick, this time voicing the character in an animated film. The production will be a prequel focused on the origins of the legendary assassin.

The plot will recreate the famous "Impossible Task," a mission in which Wick must eliminate all his rivals in a single night. The goal is to free himself from his obligations to the High Table and earn the right to be with the love of his life, Helen.

Shannon Tindle, a veteran animator known for his work on Netflix's Ultraman: The Ascension and Kubo and the Two Strings, will direct. The screenplay will be written by Ryan and Kaz Firpo. The creative team from the franchise will work on the production, including Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road, and Chad Stahelski from 87Eleven Entertainment, alongside Reeves and the Point Grey studio.

"Both in animation and in the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless. And there's no John Wick story that fans ask for more than 'Task: Impossible'," said Adam Fogelson, president of film at Lionsgate, when the project was announced. "Shannon's approach to this story is incredible, and we're more than excited to see what John Wick can do in animation."

The John Wick franchise has already grossed over $1 billion at the global box office across five films, including the spin-off Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas. Lionsgate continues to expand the universe: a fifth live-action film is in development, as well as a spin-off focused on Caine, the blind assassin played by Donnie Yen.