Keanu Reeves Stars in John Wick Anime Prequel

The John Wick anime prequel has officially revealed its storyline setting.

During CinemaCon, Keanu Reeves confirmed his return to voice the iconic character in the animated project, alongside his recently announced reprise of the role in John Wick 5.

This animated prequel will explore John Wick's fabled "Impossible Task" – a crucial backstory element referenced throughout the films that shaped his legendary reputation.

Official synopsis:

The animated feature will delve into John Wick's origins before the first film, chronicling his completion of the Impossible Task: eliminating all his rivals in a single night to secure freedom from the High Table and reunite with his beloved Helen.

Maintaining the signature stylized action of the live-action films, this anime adaptation will cater to mature audiences while delivering the intense combat sequences fans expect.

Production comes from the core John Wick team: Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves, with Alex Young and Jason Spitz executive producing.

Shannon Tindle, Academy Award-nominated creator of Kubo and the Two Strings and director of Netflix's Ultraman: Rising, will helm the project. Screenwriter Vanessa Taylor (Game of Thrones, The Shape of Water) is penning the script.

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson stated: "Animation unlocks limitless storytelling potential for John Wick. Fans have long demanded the Impossible Task narrative, and Shannon's visionary approach makes this animated chapter particularly thrilling."

Stahelski added: "Anime has profoundly influenced the John Wick franchise. This medium allows us to expand our world-building and action sequences beyond live-action limitations while staying true to Wick's essence."

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The billion-dollar John Wick universe continues expanding rapidly. Beyond the four existing films and upcoming John Wick 5, the franchise includes two spinoffs: Ballerina (premiering June 6) and a Donnie Yen-led project about his Caine character.

Lionsgate Television has already released Peacock's The Continental series and is developing John Wick: Under the High Table with Stahelski and Reeves executive producing.

The brand extends beyond screens with a Las Vegas immersive experience and an upcoming AAA video game currently in development.