New Animated Prequel Expands John Wick Franchise: Keanu Reeves Voices

by Annika April 2, 2025

Lionsgate is set to expand the John Wick franchise with an animated prequel. The film, directed by Shannon Tindle and scripted by Vanessa Taylor, promises to delve into the origins of the title hitman, voiced by Keanu Reeves. The new feature will take viewers back to events preceding the first John Wick film and entails Wick fulfilling his Impossible Task.

New Animated Prequel Expands John Wick Franchise: Keanu Reeves Voices

– Lionsgate announced an animated prequel feature for the John Wick franchise, directed by Shannon Tindle, with Keanu Reeves expected to voice the title character.
– The prequel will focus on John Wick’s ‘Impossible Task,’ the event that occurred before the original 2014 movie, in which Wick had to eliminate his foes in a single night to fulfill an obligation to the High Table.
– The John Wick franchise, which has generated over $1 billion at the box office, is set to expand further with a spinoff film “Ballerina” releasing in June this year.

The world of the successful John Wick franchise is set to explore its roots with an upcoming animated prequel.

The Chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, Adam Fogelson, revealed on Tuesday at CinemaCon that an animated John Wick movie is underway. Shannon Tindle has been appointed as director, while Vanessa Taylor is working on the script. The iconic hitman, played by Keanu Reeves, is anticipated to be voiced by Reeves himself. Chad Stahelski, a consistent contributor to the John Wick franchise as a producer, is also involved in the project.

The upcoming movie will offer viewers a glimpse into the timeline before the first John Wick film, featuring Reeves, was released in 2014. The project will feature the hitman fulfilling his duty to the High Table through an Impossible Task – eliminating his enemies in a single night.

Addressing the expansive nature of both animation and the John Wick universe, Fogelson stated, “There’s no other John Wick narrative that fans want more than the Impossible Task. Shannon’s interpretation of this tale is extraordinary, and we’re eagerly awaiting to see the creative possibilities that animation can bring to the John Wick story.”

Among the producers of this animated endeavour are Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road, Stahelski from 87Eleven Entertainment, and Reeves. The executive producers are Alex Young and Jason Spitz.

Expanding on his fascination with the animated genre, Stahelski commented, “Anime has had a profound influence on me, particularly in regards to the John Wick series. Thus, having the chance to create a John Wick anime feels like the ideal continuity of the John Wick saga. I believe that John Wick is perfect for this medium. Anime harbours potential to broaden our universe, our characters, and our action sequences in previously inconceivable ways.”

The John Wick series has achieved impressive financial success, amassing over $1 billion in global box office revenue. A spinoff film, Ballerina, is planned for release this June.

Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee chimed in to express their excitement for the upcoming film, “Shannon has an awe-inspiring vision for a movie we’ve all eagerly waited to create. Vanessa’s story complements this vision perfectly, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences.”