Sun May 25 02:30:00 UTC 2025: ## “John Wick” Universe Expanding: New Film, Animated Prequel, and Caine Spin-Off on the Horizon

**HOLLYWOOD, CA** – The surprise hit franchise “John Wick” continues its expansion beyond the original films with a slate of new projects, announced at CinemaCon 2025, promising to delve deeper into the world of assassins and international intrigue. What began as a modest action-revenge movie starring Keanu Reeves has blossomed into a full-fledged cinematic universe, with multiple spin-offs in development.

First up is “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,” hitting theaters this June. Starring Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a ballerina/assassin seeking revenge for her father’s murder, the film is set between “John Wick: Chapter 3” and “Chapter 4” and will feature appearances by Reeves, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick. While Len Wiseman is credited as director, sources indicate that Chad Stahelski, the director of the “John Wick” films, oversaw significant reshoots to ensure the quality and consistency of the franchise.

Adding to the excitement, Lionsgate confirmed that “John Wick: Chapter 5” is still in the works. Stahelski hinted that the new film will launch a new arc for the character, drawing inspiration from Chinese cinema and presenting a story that differs significantly from the previous installments. Theories abound about the plot, with some fans speculating that the film could see Wick fighting his way through Hell.

In a surprising move, an animated prequel film is also in development, with Reeves reprising his role as John Wick in voice only. Directed by Shannon Tindle and written by Vanessa Taylor, the anime-style film will explore the “impossible task” that John Wick completed to leave the assassin life behind, a mystery that has intrigued fans since the original film. Stahelski expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that anime is the perfect medium to expand the “John Wick” world.

Finally, Donnie Yen is set to star in and direct a spin-off centered on his character Caine, the blind assassin introduced in “John Wick: Chapter 4.” The film, described as a Hong Kong-style action movie, will follow Caine’s story after the events of the fourth film and will see Rina Sawayama reprise her role as Akira, the daughter of the slain Shimazu Koji, hinting at a revenge plot brewing. Written by Mattson Tomlin, the spin-off promises to deliver the high-octane action and stylized violence that fans have come to expect from the “John Wick” franchise.

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