"John Wick Anime Prequel: Keanu Reeves Voices Character's Impossible Task"

Excitement is brewing for fans of the John Wick franchise as Lionsgate has officially announced the setting for the much-anticipated John Wick anime prequel film. Revealed at CinemaCon, this animated venture will feature the return of Keanu Reeves, who will lend his voice to the iconic character, alongside his confirmed involvement in the upcoming live-action John Wick 5.

The animated prequel will delve into the lore of John Wick by exploring his legendary 'Impossible Task.' This pivotal event, often referenced in the movies, plays a crucial role in establishing the mythos and the intimidating aura surrounding Wick. Here's what the official synopsis reveals:

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 producing team, which includes Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Additionally, Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment will serve as executive producers.

Directing the film is Shannon Tindle, an acclaimed figure in animation known for his work on the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising, the double Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings, and the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay is penned by Vanessa Taylor, celebrated for her contributions to Game of Thrones, Divergent, and her Oscar-nominated work on 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 also shared his excitement, highlighting the influence of anime on the John Wick series: "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 rapidly. Alongside the four mainline films and the announced John Wick 5, the universe now includes two spinoff films: Ballerina, slated for release on June 6, and another featuring Donnie Yen reprising his role as Caine, which is set to begin 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, they are developing John Wick: Under the High Table, with Stahelski and Reeves as executive producers.

Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has opened an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a John Wick AAA video game, further cementing the franchise's presence in various entertainment mediums.