The John Wick universe is expanding, with a spinoff centered on fan-favorite blind assassin Caine set to begin production next month, with Donnie Yen set to both direct and reprise the role.
The untitled Caine project, produced by Lionsgate, was first announced at CinemaCon last spring and will come up where John Wick: Chapter 4 escaped and followed Caine after he has been released from his obligations to The High Table.
Rina Sawayama, who played Akira in Chapter 4, also returns opposite Yen.
The screenplay was written by Mattson Tomlin, whose recent credits include the upcoming Batman Part II and the adaptation of Keanu Reeves’ cartoon BRZRKRwith Michael McGrale also writing.
The original John Wick The producing team is back on board, including Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee and Chad Stahelski, who is producing through his 87Eleven Entertainment banner.
Reeves and John Saunders will also produce, with Yen serving as executive producer.
For Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson, the choice of subject was obvious.
“It was clear afterwards John Wick: Chapter 4 that fans were particularly fascinated by Caine, making his story the most natural next chapter in the franchise,” he said.
“It is truly exciting to enter into a strategic partnership with Donnie, who has the vision to bring this expansion of the John Wick universe to life in a way that is authentic to his own signature style, flair and expertise as a filmmaker.”
Born in Guangzhou, China and raised in Boston, Yen is known for his action work across franchises, including Ip man, Star Wars: Rogue One and xXx: Return of Xander Cage.
He also brings a formidable directing CV to the project, with credits including Shit and The prosecutorwhich has a critical score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
His stunt choreography, a hallmark of his earlier work, will feature prominently in Caine.
Yen has spoken about what attracted him to the character and the opportunity.
“What drew me to Caine is the contradiction. He carries love, responsibility and sacrifice in a world built on consequence. It makes for a very different kind of action hero,” he said.
He described his ambitions for the film in sweeping terms, adding, “My goal is to create the most definitive martial arts-infused action film ever made, one that honors what audiences love about John Wick while bringing a new emotional depth and visual language to the story.”
John Wick: Chapter 4 remains the highest-grossing entry in the franchise, grossing over $447 million worldwide.
