An animated project featuring Keanu Reeves as John Wick is in development, with the movie set to explore the assassin’s backstory prior to the tragic events of the first film, Deadline reported. The story will delve into the assassin’s history, detailing the “Impossible Task” which enabled him to break free from his duty to the High Table and gain the privilege to marry the woman he loves, Helen.
John Wick Animation Team Details
The animated movie will be overseen by the same creative force behind the John Wick films, including Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment’s Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Point Grey will also serve as a producer. Shannon Tindle, an Emmy Award-winning director, writer, and producer recognized for projects such as Ultraman: Rising and Kubo and the Two Strings, is attached to direct. The screenplay will be written by the duo of Ryan and Kaz Firpo, who are noted for their work on Marvel’s Eternals. Reeves is also set to reprise his role as the ‘Baba Yaga.’
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.
During the announcement, Adam Fogelson, motion picture chair at Lionsgate, shared some intriguing details with fans.
Future of the John Wick Franchise
This most recent update arrives for the eagerly awaited project, which was first revealed last year. Prior to this, Stahelski had mentioned that a script was in progress, though he and co-writer Mike Finch found the actual narrative to be elusive.
I’m not going to lie to you, it’s a bit of a conundrum. Me and Mike Finch — the writer on 4 who’s also writing 5 — we’ve got a pretty good story that I think is cool. Once we have a 50-page book, and if we’re feeling it, we’ll sit with Keanu and shape this thing. Look, everybody seems to want it. It’s a matter of whether we crack it. We’re actively working on it. It’s just … is it going to be satisfying?
Other John Wick ventures are also underway; Reeves will also star as the main character in a video game from Saber Interactive, scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, and PC at a date yet to be announced.
Animation House Not yet Announced
The particular animation studio tasked with realizing John Wick’s dynamic, killer-filled universe has not been confirmed at this time. For the moment, what the final product will look like remains unknown, but the news is certainly thrilling as we await John Wick 5. Confirmed, a fifth film in the series is on its way, even though the fourth movie seemed to provide a fitting conclusion. The project was initially disclosed in April 2025, with Fogelson more recently stating that director “Chad [Stahelski] and Keanu have an idea that they think can be really exciting.”
More on John Wick
An animated ‘JOHN WICK’ film is officially in the works at Lionsgate. • Keanu Reeves will return to voice the lead character. • Shannon Tindle (Ultraman: Rising, Kubo and the Two Strings) will direct. • The film will go back in time to tell the story of John Wick before the… pic.twitter.com/hpTsdEsrVx
Keanu Reeves has officially closed a deal to return as John Wick in Lionsgate’s animated prequel movie about the legendary hitman. The story recounts the origins of Wick he completes the Impossible Task — the killing of all of his rivals in one night — to free himself from his… pic.twitter.com/uV3lKFwP2n
Keanu Reeves has officially closed a deal to return as John Wick in the animated prequel movie The story follows Wick as he completes the Impossible Task — killing all his rivals in one night to free himself from his obligation to the High Table pic.twitter.com/tZ8AqciBPr
