Exciting news for John Wick fans: the much-anticipated John Wick anime prequel film has finally revealed its setting. Announced at CinemaCon, this animated venture will see Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role, lending his voice to the legendary assassin. This announcement comes alongside the confirmation that Reeves will also return for the live-action John Wick 5.

The animated prequel will delve into the backstory of John Wick, focusing on the fabled 'Impossible Task.' This pivotal event, often referenced in the John Wick series, contributed significantly to the mystique and fear surrounding his character. The official synopsis promises an engaging narrative:

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

The film will be directed by animation veteran Shannon Tindle, who recently co-wrote and directed the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising. Tindle's impressive resume also includes the double Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay will be crafted by Vanessa Taylor, known for her work on Game of Thrones, Divergent, and her Oscar-nominated contribution to 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, "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 is experiencing a surge of activity. In addition to the four mainline films and the upcoming John Wick 5, the universe is expanding with two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and another featuring Donnie Yen reprising his role as Caine, which will start production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also ventured into the John Wick universe with The Continental: From the World of John Wick, available on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Additionally, the series John Wick: Under the High Table is in development, with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.

Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has launched an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a AAA John Wick video game, further expanding the franchise's reach.