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

Excitement is building for fans of the John Wick series as a new animated prequel film has been confirmed, set to explore the legendary 'Impossible Task' that shapes John Wick's fearsome reputation. Announced at CinemaCon, this animated venture will see Keanu Reeves return to voice his iconic character, complementing his confirmed return in the live-action John Wick 5.

The animated film will delve into John Wick's past, showcasing the night he took on the 'Impossible Task'—a mission to eliminate all his rivals in one night, aiming to free himself from the High Table's control and reunite with his beloved Helen. This story promises to enrich the mythos of John Wick, offering fans a deeper understanding of his journey.

Here's the official synopsis:

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 in the capable hands of the John Wick producing team, including Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Executive producers Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment will also be involved.

Directing the film is Shannon Tindle, an acclaimed animation veteran 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, renowned 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 shared his excitement, saying, "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 upcoming John Wick 5, the universe includes two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and a spinoff directed by and starring Donnie Yen as Caine, which is slated to begin production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also produced The Continental: From the World of John Wick for Peacock and Amazon Prime, and is developing the series John Wick: Under the High Table, with Stahelski and Reeves serving 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 expanding the franchise's reach and engagement with fans.