A new anime movie set in the John Wick universe is in development, offering fans a fresh look at the story behind John Wick’s infamous impossible task, which led him to retire from his life as an assassin.
Director Chad Stahelski, who has helmed all four films in the John Wick series, confirmed that the upcoming film will serve as a prequel, explore events that occurred before the first movie.
He emphasized that the anime format will allow for a more creative approach, enabling the team to explore the John Wick world in a crazier, more exaggerated way that traditional live-action wouldn’t allow.
Stahelski wants the project to capture the fun and unique elements of the franchise, especially since the live-action films concluded with John Wick: Chapter 4.
Stahelski also discussed the importance of maintaining the core identity of the John Wick franchise as more spin-offs and projects emerge.
He and Keanu Reeves, who plays John Wick, have taken on the role of gatekeepers for the series, ensuring any new additions stay true to the original vision.
He shared that they’ve faced situations where outside voices questioned what fits within the John Wick universe, but he and Reeves remained committed to preserving the authentic feel of the character and his world.
This dedication to keeping John Wick grounded in its established tone is seen as important as the franchise expands into new formats like anime.
Hollywood’s recent push into anime reflects its efforts to connect with younger audiences who are increasingly amazed by the medium.
The John Wick anime joins a growing list of adaptations and original projects that North American companies are producing, trying to tap into the popularity of anime hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia.
While live-action adaptations of anime like Death Note and Cowboy Bebop struggled to resonate, other ventures, such as Netflix’s live-action One Piece, have succeeded.
The shift towards anime adaptations and collaborations shows a broadening strategy, with companies investing in both animated and live-action formats to engage fans of anime and Western franchises.
Stahelski’s involvement in the anime world extends beyond John Wick. He is also part of the team behind Lazarus, an upcoming action anime series created by Cowboy Bebop’s Shinichiro Watanabe, which was highlighted at New York Comic Con.
Lazarus is set to debut in 2025, and Stahelski, a fan of classic anime series like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, has taken a hands-on approach by helping produce several episodes.
The collaboration between Stahelski and Watanabe reflects a mutual admiration, with Watanabe appreciating the John Wick films and Stahelski being influenced by Watanabe’s anime.
The John Wick franchise has seen remarkable growth since its debut in 2014, becoming a major action series with a dedicated fanbase.
Although John Wick: Chapter 4 was initially considered the conclusion of the main storyline, the possibility of a fifth film remains open.
A spin-off titled Ballerina is set to expand the universe even further. As the series continues to evolve, its exploration into different formats, including anime, adds new dimensions to the John Wick saga while keeping the spirit of the original films alive.
Aside from his John Wick projects, Keanu Reeves is involved in various other roles, such as voicing Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, set for release in December 2024.
He is also linked to a Constantine sequel, though updates on that project have been limited.
These roles demonstrate Reeves’ versatility as he continues to balance voice acting, live-action films, and franchise projects, further solidifying his status as a Hollywood icon.
