Lionsgate announces an animated prequel John Wick film with Keanu Reeves

It seems there can never be enough John Wick movies-at least that's what the franchise believes. The latest announcements by Lionsgate reveal that the franchise is getting its own origin story through an animated prequel feature directed by Shannon Tindle.

The new prequel will feature events before the timeline that the franchise's first movie, all the way back in 2014, is set in. Longtime producer Chad Stahelski will also be behind this project. But most importantly, Keanu Reeves will also be returning to voice his iconic titular hitman character.

Let's get into all the juicy details of this new animated prequel.

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Everything we know about the animated prequel to John Wick

ComiCon this Tuesday turned out to be more eventful than usual for fans of the John Wick franchise as two new projects were announced. The first announcement was another sequel to the franchise but believe it or not, that is old news.

Adam Fogelson, the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair, also announced that an untitled animated prequel to the franchise is being directed by Shannon Tindle, based on a script by Vanessa Taylor. He spoke about the film saying that:

"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."

The franchise has already grossed more than a billion at the worldwide box office -and that's even before the spinoff Ballerina releases in June. These numbers are going to skyrocket after the next two releases. The animated film's producers are, Stahelski for 87Eleven Entertainment, Erica Lee and Basil Iwanyk for Thunder Road, Keanu Reeves, and Jason Spitz and Alex Young are going to be the executive producers.

Longtime producer of the franchise, Stahelski justified the choice of an animated film as the choice for the prequel by saying that:

"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."

Additionally, Lee and Iwanyk for Thunder Road added that:

"Shannon has a breathtaking vision for a film we’ve all long wanted to make. Alongside Vanessa’s story, we’re hugely excited to bring it to audiences."

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The announcement also provided a synopsis of the untitled upcoming animated prequel for dedicated fans, revealing that the movie depicts:

Wick 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."

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It will be interesting to see how the new animated format plays out for the John Wick franchise. Follow us along at Soap Central to find out more!