Keanu Reeves Returns as John Wick in Animated Prequel Movie
Keanu Reeves is returning as John Wick, but this time fans will see the legendary assassin in a whole new form. The actor has officially signed on to voice the character in an animated prequel film that will finally tell the story of Wick's famous "Impossible Task."
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer confirmed Reeves' return during the studio's quarterly earnings call, saying the project is now in preproduction, JoBlo reported, citing Variety. Reeves will also serve as a producer.
The Story of the Impossible Task
The animated movie is set before the events of the first "John Wick" film. It will follow Wick as he completes the Impossible Task, eliminating all of his rivals in a single night to escape his obligations to the High Table and earn the right to a life with Helen, the woman he loves.
Fans of the franchise have heard about the legendary mission for years, but it has never been shown on screen. In the films, the task is the reason Wick was able to leave the criminal underworld behind.
The film is expected to be geared toward adult audiences with an R rating, according to IMDb.
Who's Behind the Film
Shannon Tindle, the Emmy-winning filmmaker behind Netflix's "Ultraman: Rising" and Laika's "Kubo and the Two Strings," is directing. Ryan and Kaz Firpo are writing the screenplay.
Franchise director Chad Stahelski is producing alongside Reeves, Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road. Point Grey has also joined the production.
Stahelski has long been a fan of the format. "I've always been fascinated with anime," he said, adding that anime has been a major influence on the series and that John Wick is a perfect fit for animation.
The project was first announced by Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson at CinemaCon in April 2025. "In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless," Fogelson said at the time. "And there is no John Wick story fans are clamoring for more than the Impossible Task."
"We are beyond excited to see what John Wick can do in animation," he added.
No release date has been announced.
A Billion-Dollar Franchise
Reeves first played the grieving hitman in 2014's "John Wick" and returned for sequels in 2017, 2019 and 2023. Together with the Ana de Armas-led spinoff "Ballerina," the five films have earned more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office, according to Yahoo Entertainment.
The franchise has also expanded to television with "The Continental," a 2023 prequel series that received mixed reviews, CBR noted. A John Wick video game is also in development, with Reeves participating, and Dynamite Entertainment published a 2017 comic book miniseries later collected as "John Wick: The Book of Rules."
More John Wick on the Way
The animated prequel is far from the only Wick project in the works. A fifth live-action film starring Reeves is also in development, even though the character appeared to die at the end of "John Wick: Chapter 4." Stahelski is set to direct, though the story is still in the writing stages.
A standalone film centered on Caine, the blind assassin played by Donnie Yen in "Chapter 4," is also on the way. Yen directed the movie, which wrapped production in July and is expected to be released in 2027. Dacre Montgomery and Rina Sawayama are also part of the cast. Fogelson has said fans were especially drawn to the character.
For fans who have waited more than a decade to see how John Wick earned his freedom, the animated film offers a chance to finally see the story unfold, with Reeves once again leading the way.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.