Lionsgate officially confirmed at CinemaCon 2025 that Keanu Reeves will reprise his iconic role in John Wick 5, with franchise director Chad Stahelski returning to helm the project, alongside plans for a new animated prequel and a Caine spin-off.
John Wick 5: The Franchise Continues
The studio put an end to months of speculation regarding the future of the series. While Lionsgate previously signaled interest in a sequel, the involvement of the core creative team remained uncertain. Now, it is official: the original team is reuniting to craft the next chapter in the saga.
Adam Fogelson, head of Lionsgate’s motion picture group, emphasized that the decision to move forward was driven by creative necessity. “Keanu, Chad, and producers Basil and Erica would not return unless they had something truly phenomenal and fresh to say with these characters and this world,” Fogelson stated. While the studio has yet to announce a release window or plot synopsis, the confirmation of the primary cast and director marks a significant milestone for the franchise.
Donnie Yen Returns for Caine Spin-off
Beyond the mainline sequel, Lionsgate is expanding the universe with a standalone film centered on Caine, the blind assassin introduced in John Wick: Chapter 4. Donnie Yen will return to star in, direct, and produce the project. Production for the spin-off is scheduled to begin later this year in Hong Kong, further exploring the tragic backstory of the fan-favorite character.
Exploring the “Impossible Task” via Animation
Perhaps the most intriguing announcement is an upcoming mature-audience animated prequel. The film will focus on a younger version of John Wick, with Keanu Reeves providing the voice for the character. The narrative is expected to finally reveal the details behind the legendary “Impossible Task”—the fabled night where Wick eliminated a vast number of powerful rivals to secure his freedom.
An Ever-Expanding Universe
The John Wick universe remains one of Lionsgate’s most valuable properties. In addition to these new projects, the studio is preparing for the June release of Ballerina, a spin-off starring Ana de Armas. The film will feature one of the final performances from the late Lance Reddick and include a guest appearance by Keanu Reeves. With a new television series also in development, the studio is signaling a massive influx of content for the franchise over the coming years.
