April 1, 2025 – The John Wick franchise is far from over, as Lionsgate dropped major announcements at CinemaCon today, confirming the return of the beloved action series with John Wick: Chapter 5, alongside an animated prequel film and a new spin-off centered on the character Caine.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson revealed at CinemaCon that John Wick: Chapter 5 is officially in development, with Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role as the nunchuck-wielding hitman and Chad Stahelski returning as director. The announcement comes after years of speculation about the franchise’s future, especially following the dramatic conclusion of John Wick: Chapter 4, which saw the apparent death of the titular assassin. However, the X post from @JohnWickMovie, captioned-
“People keep asking if we’re back… #JohnWick,” paired with a Deadline headline confirming the fifth movie, suggests that John Wick’s story is far from over.
“Keanu, Chad, Basil, and Erica would not return unless they had something truly phenomenal and fresh to say with these characters and this world,” Fogelson stated, emphasizing the creative team’s commitment to delivering a compelling continuation. The film is being developed with Thunder Road producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, alongside Stahelski and Reeves, who also serve as producers. The John Wick franchise, which began in 2014 with Reeves’ character being pulled back into the criminal underworld after retiring, has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful action series of all time.
In addition to the fifth installment, Lionsgate announced an animated prequel film that will delve into one of the most legendary moments in John Wick’s lore: the “Impossible Task” that allowed him to free himself from the High Table. Directed by Shannon Tindle, known for Kubo and the Two Strings and Ultraman: Rising, the film will feature Keanu Reeves returning to voice the character. The screenplay is penned by Vanessa Taylor, a writer and producer with credits on Game of Thrones and The Shape of Water.
“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,’” Fogelson said. “Shannon’s take on that story is an incredible one, and we are beyond excited to see what John Wick can do in animation.” Stahelski, who has long cited anime as a major influence on the John Wick series, added, “I’ve always been fascinated with anime. It has always been a huge influence on me, especially with the John Wick series.” The animated prequel will be produced by Iwanyk, Lee, Stahelski, and Reeves, with 87Eleven Entertainment’s Alex Young and Jason Spitz serving as executive producers.
The John Wick universe is also expanding with a standalone feature titled CAINE, which will see Donnie Yen reprise his role as the blind assassin from John Wick: Chapter 4. Yen, a martial arts legend, will not only star but also direct and executive produce the film, which is set to begin production in Hong Kong later this year. The project will adopt a stylistic approach reminiscent of Yen’s previous action films, promising high-octane sequences that fans of his work will recognize.
The screenplay for CAINE is being written by Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on The Batman Part II and the Reeves-created comic book adaptation BRZRKR, with a previous draft penned by Robert Askins. The film will explore Caine’s journey after being freed from the High Table, offering a deeper look into the character’s story post-Chapter 4. Iwanyk, Lee, and Stahelski are also producing this spin-off, ensuring continuity with the broader John Wick universe.
These new projects join other expansions of the John Wick franchise already in motion. The upcoming spin-off Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, is set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film follows Eve Macarro, a ballerina-assassin training in the traditions of the Ruska Roma as she seeks revenge for her father’s death. Additionally, a new series titled John Wick: Under the High Table is in development, with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.
Since its debut in 2014, the John Wick series has captivated audiences with its stylish action, intricate world building, and Keanu Reeves’ stoic yet deeply emotional performance as the titular hitman. The franchise’s success grossing over $1 billion worldwide has paved the way for these ambitious expansions, each promising to explore new facets of the John Wick universe while staying true to its high-energy roots.
CinemaCon, where these announcements were made, is an annual event for exhibitors and Hollywood studios, running from March 31 to April 3, 2025, and presented by Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theatre Owners). As Lionsgate continues to build out the John Wick world, fans can rest assured that the franchise is in good hands, with Reeves, Stahelski, and their team committed to delivering fresh and thrilling stories.
