THE John Wick The universe is expanding, with a spinoff centered on fan-favorite blind assassin Caine set to begin production next month, and Donnie Yen will direct and reprise the role.
The untitled Caine project, produced by Lionsgate, was first announced at last spring’s CinemaCon and will pick up where John Wick: Chapter 4 stopped, following Caine after he was released from his obligations to the High Table.
Rina Sawayama, who played Akira in Chapter 4, also returns to face Yen.
The screenplay was written by Mattson Tomlin, whose recent credits include the upcoming The Batman Part II and the adaptation of Keanu Reeves’ comic book BRZRKRwith Michael McGrale also co-writing.
The original John Wick The production team is back, including Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee and Chad Stahelski, who produces through his 87Eleven Entertainment banner.
Reeves and John Saunders will also produce, with Yen serving as executive producer.
For Adam Fogelson, president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, the choice of subject was obvious.
“It became clear after John Wick: Chapter 4 “that fans were particularly intrigued by Caine, which made his story the most natural next chapter in the franchise,” he said.
“It’s truly exciting to embark on a strategic partnership with Donnie. He has the vision to bring this expansion of the John Wick universe to life in a way that is authentic with his own style, flair and expertise as a filmmaker.”
Yen, born in Guangzhou, China and raised in Boston, is known for his action work in franchises including Ip man, Star Wars: Thief One And xXx: The Return of Alex Cage.
He also brings a formidable directorial resume to the project, with credits including Sacra And The prosecutorwhich holds a 94 percent critical score on Rotten Tomatoes.
His stunt choreography, characteristic of his previous work, will feature prominently in Caine.
Yen spoke about what attracted him to the character and the opportunity.
“What attracted me to Caine is the contradiction. He carries love, responsibility and sacrifice in a world built on consequences. That creates a very different type of action hero,” he said.
He described his ambitions for the film in general terms, adding: “My goal is to create the most definitive martial arts-infused action film ever made, one that honors what audiences love about John Wick while bringing new emotional depth and a new visual language to the story.”
John Wick: Chapter 4 remains the highest-grossing entry in the franchise, grossing over $447 million worldwide.
