The John Wick franchise is set to broaden its horizons with the announcement of a prequel anime film, as revealed by co-creator and director Chad Stahelski. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Stahelski confirmed that the new project will depart from the live-action format, embracing an animated style instead.
While the mainline John Wick series, featuring Keanu Reeves in the titular role, has reached a narrative conclusion, Stahelski emphasized that the franchise will continue to explore new stories through prequels and spin-offs. “Right now, we’re knee-deep in development on a feature anime about John Wick. It’s a prequel to the movies, which is awesome. It’s fun that it’s in a different medium,” he stated.
Stahelski articulated a vision for the new anime project that prioritizes enjoyment over formulaic franchise expansion. “To keep churning out episodes of John Wick’s adventures seems a little false to us, but to explore different aspects of the world and different aspects of John Wick before the films and through a different medium, whether it’s anime or TV, that feels fun,” he explained.
The director also noted that the animated format allows for greater creative freedom, stating, “We can be a little bit more crazy and nutty in the anime, and we can be a lot more explicit in our storytelling and world-building on the TV show Under The High Table. So those are exciting to us without seeming repetitive.”
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Keanu Reeves will reprise his role by providing the voice for the anime film.
In a recent four-star review of John Wick: Chapter 4, critic Jesse Hassenger praised the film for its cohesive action sequences, noting that director Stahelski masterfully combines choreography, performance, and style. “There may well be a Chapter 5, but Chapter 4 still feels like a movie giving its all,” he remarked.
In addition to the anime film, the John Wick universe continues to expand with the upcoming release of Ballerina, a spin-off film starring Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, an assassin seeking vengeance for her family. This film is scheduled to hit UK cinemas on June 6, 2025, and will feature Reeves reprising his role, set between the events of John Wick 3 and 4.
Furthermore, a sequel television series has been announced, which will be produced by Reeves; however, the actor will not star in the show. The evolution of the John Wick franchise underscores its commitment to innovation and creative exploration, promising an exciting future for fans.
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