Keanu Reeves is suiting up once more as cinema's most lethal hitman—but this time, it's in animated form. Lionsgate has officially greenlit a John Wick prequel movie that will explore a pivotal chapter in the character's life before the events of the original film. And yes, Reeves is confirmed to voice the iconic role.
The project, which has been in the works for some time, will delve into the so-called "Impossible Task"—the legendary mission that allowed Wick to buy his way out of the criminal underworld and retire to a peaceful life with his late wife, Helen. That backstory has been teased throughout the franchise, and now fans will finally see it unfold.
Directed by Shannon Tindle, known for his work on Ultraman: Rising, the film is written by Ryan and Kaz Firpo, the duo behind Marvel's Eternals. Reeves will also serve as an executive producer alongside Chad Stahelski, who directed all four live-action Wick films, and Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee.
Since the franchise exploded onto screens in 2014, John Wick has become a cultural phenomenon, turning Reeves into an action icon for a new generation. The story of a retired assassin dragged back into violence after the murder of his dog—a final gift from his deceased wife—resonated with audiences and critics alike, spawning three sequels and a spin-off.
The upcoming prequel will not address the ambiguous fate of Wick at the end of John Wick: Chapter 4, where he appeared to die after a climactic duel. Instead, it will focus on his earlier years, offering a deeper look at the man behind the legend. This approach also sidesteps the need for de-aging technology, as the animated format allows for a younger Wick without CGI trickery.
Reeves has been busy expanding the Wick universe beyond the main films. He recently appeared in Ballerina, a spin-off starring Ana de Armas, which is set between the events of the original movies. The animated prequel adds another layer to the franchise's ever-growing mythology.
For fans of the series, this news is a welcome surprise, especially after the apparent conclusion of Wick's story. The prequel promises to answer long-standing questions while delivering the stylish, high-octane action that has become the franchise's trademark—even in animated form.
While no release date has been announced, the project is already generating buzz. In the meantime, fans can revisit the original films or check out other action-packed projects like Jean-Claude Van Damme's return to martial arts or Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter's Bill & Ted arcade game. The John Wick universe continues to expand, and this animated prequel is sure to be a must-watch for any fan of the Baba Yaga.
