Lionsgate has just announced production will begin next year in Hong Kong on an untitled John Wickspin-off feature film centered around the character of blind-assassin Caine. Action star Donnie Yen will reprise his John Wick: Chapter 4 role as the sunglass-wearing badass.Though story details have not been revealed, the film will continue Caines Wick 4 story arc that saw him freed from his obligations to the High Table.The new film was developed as part of Chad Stahelskis recently announced deal with Lionsgate overseeing the expansion of the John Wick universe. Thunder Roads Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee (John Wick: Chapters 1 through 4, Ballerina, Monkey Man) will produce, alongside Stahelski (John Wick: Chapter 3Parabellum, Day Shift, John Wick: Chapter 4, Ballerina), who produces through his 87Eleven Entertainment production banner.Robert Askins, a Tony nominee for his play Hand to God and a veteran of Netflixs The Umbrella Academy and AMCs The Son, is writing the screenplay.Lionsgate also just announced thatShannon Tindle, writer / director of last years Netflix hit,Ultraman: Rising, is on board to direct an untitled animatedJohn Wickprequel feature. Franchise star Keanu Reeves reportedly will voice the lead character.Stahelski is also involved with the project; Vanessa Taylor (The Shape of Water,Hillbilly Elegy) is writing the script.From the moment Donnie Yen appeared on screen in John Wick: Chapter 4, he captivated audiences and created an authentic, emotional connection that left an indelible mark and had fans asking for more, said Adam Fogelson, chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. The John Wick universe that Chad, Basil, and Erica have built offers a tapestry of fascinating characters brought to life by the most extraordinary performers, and were excited to have one of the worlds biggest superstars on board to continue this journey.Working on John Wick: Chapter 4 was an extraordinary experience, said Yen. The reason these films resonate so deeply is because, like myself, Chad, Basil, and Erica push themselves to create action, fights, and stunts that are not only thrilling, inventive and artistic, but also expressive of character, story, and emotion. Caine is an incredible character with a haunted past, and I am excited to return to the role.Our next dive into theJohn Wickuniverse,Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas as an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma, hits theaters June 5. Watch the trailerhere. The film, directed by Len Wiseman, written by Shay Hatten, based on characters created by Derek Kolstad, and produced by Iwanyk, Lee, and Stahelski, will be released on June 6, 2025.Yen is represented by Independent Artist Group and by Peco Ng at Bullet Films. Robert Askins is represented by WME and Grandview.Source: Lionsgate Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.