The ‘John Wick’ franchise fans have something to look forward to! An anime feature film based on the beloved action series is developing, promising to delve deeper into the enigmatic life of the titular character, portrayed by Keanu Reeves.
Directed by Chad Stahelski, who has helmed all four live-action films, this anime adaptation explores John Wick’s mysterious past, including his early days as an assassin and the period following his retirement after marriage.
A New Dimension to Storytelling
Chad Stahelski recently expressed his enthusiasm for the anime format, 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.” This approach opens up exciting possibilities for the narrative, allowing for more creativity and depth without feeling repetitive.
The original franchise, created by Derek Kolstad, began with a gripping premise: a legendary hitman seeking revenge after the tragic murder of his dog. The first film, released in 2014, was a sleeper hit, leading to the production of three sequels: John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).
Expanding the Universe
In addition to the upcoming anime, fans can anticipate the release of Ballerina, a spin-off film starring Ana de Armas between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. Furthermore, a spin-off focusing on Donnie Yen’s character, Caine, has also been confirmed, indicating that the John Wick universe is expanding in exciting new directions.
With its combination of thrilling action and rich storytelling, the anime adaptation is poised to attract both existing fans and new viewers alike. As we await more details on the release date and additional casting news, one thing is clear: John’s legacy continues to grow, captivating audiences around the globe.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project and other developments in the John Wick universe!