"John Wick Anime Prequel: Keanu Reeves Voices Character in Tale of Impossible Task"

Fans of the John Wick series have something new to look forward to: a confirmed setting for the eagerly anticipated John Wick anime prequel film. The announcement came during CinemaCon, revealing that Keanu Reeves will reprise his iconic role as John Wick, lending his voice to the animated project. This comes alongside the exciting news of Reeves returning to the live-action format for John Wick 5.

The animated prequel will delve into the backstory of John Wick, focusing on the legendary 'Impossible Task.' This event, which is often referenced in the John Wick films, has contributed significantly to the mystique and fear that surrounds Wick's character. The official synopsis reveals that the film will take viewers back in time, before the events of the first film, to witness John Wick completing the Impossible Task. This involves eliminating all of his rivals in a single night, a feat that would free him from his obligations to the High Table and allow him to reunite with his beloved Helen.

The film promises to maintain the high-octane, stylized action that fans of the John Wick series have come to love, while catering to a mature audience. It will be produced by the seasoned John Wick team, including Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment's Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves himself. Executive producers Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment will also be involved.

Directing the film is Shannon Tindle, a renowned figure in animation. Tindle recently co-wrote and directed the Annie-nominated Netflix film Ultraman: Rising and is also known for creating the double Oscar nominee Kubo and the Two Strings and serving as executive producer/showrunner on the Emmy-winning series Lost Ollie. The screenplay will be penned by Vanessa Taylor, who has an impressive resume including writing and co-executive producing for Game of Thrones, writing Divergent, and receiving an Oscar nomination for her work on The Shape of Water with Guillermo del Toro.

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, a key figure in the John Wick universe, shared his excitement about the project, 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 is experiencing a surge in activity. In addition to the four mainline films already released and the upcoming John Wick 5, the universe is expanding with two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and another featuring Donnie Yen reprising his role as Caine, which is slated to begin production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also contributed to the franchise with The Continental: From the World of John Wick, available on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Additionally, Lionsgate 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 working on a John Wick AAA video game, further expanding the reach and engagement of this billion-dollar franchise.