The John Wick universe continues to expand with the announcement of an anime prequel film, set to explore the legendary 'Impossible Task' referenced throughout the series. This animated feature, confirmed during CinemaCon, will feature Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role as John Wick, marking his return not only in animation but also in the upcoming live-action John Wick 5.

The story of the animated prequel will delve into John Wick's past, focusing on the night he completed the Impossible Task. This involved eliminating all of his rivals in one night, a feat that allowed him to break free from his obligations to the High Table and pursue a life with his beloved Helen. The film promises to maintain the high-octane, stylized action that fans of the franchise have come to expect, tailored for a mature audience.

The project will be helmed by a powerhouse team, including producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road, Chad Stahelski of 87Eleven Entertainment, and Keanu Reeves himself. Executive producers include Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment. The director, Shannon Tindle, brings his expertise from the acclaimed Netflix film Ultraman: Rising and the Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings. The screenplay is penned by Vanessa Taylor, known for her work on Game of Thrones, Divergent, and the Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water.

Adam Fogelson of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the endless possibilities in animation and the fan demand for the Impossible Task story. Chad Stahelski also shared his enthusiasm, noting the influence of anime on the John Wick series and the potential for expanding the franchise's universe through this medium.

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The John Wick franchise is experiencing a surge in activity, with four mainline films already released, the announcement of John Wick 5, and two spinoff films in the works: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and a yet-to-be-titled film directed by and starring Donnie Yen as his character Caine, which will start production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also ventured into the John Wick universe with The Continental: From the World of John Wick, available on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Additionally, the series John Wick: Under the High Table is in development, with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves serving as executive producers.

Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has opened an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a AAA video game, further expanding the franchise's reach and engagement with fans.