"The dead are gone. Only the living matter. After my daughter was born, I wanted to leave this life. I thought I did."
Hot on the heels of the John Wick animated prequel announcement, Lionsgate has revealed another major project: John Wick: Chapter 4 star Donnie Yen will direct and lead a new spinoff film focused on his fan-favorite character, Caine.
Production on the yet-untitled feature is slated to begin later this year in Hong Kong, with a script penned by The Batman Part II writer Mattson Tomlin. While plot details are still under wraps, the film will pick up after the events of Chapter 4, following Caine now that he’s free from the High Table.
The film will embrace the distinct visual and action style that helped define Yen’s legendary career, promising an experience that action aficionados won’t want to miss.
Chad Stahelski of 87Eleven Entertainment and Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road are set to produce, while Yen will also serve as an executive producer.
Donnie Yen expressed his enthusiasm in a statement: “The John Wick films have set an immensely high standard for action filmmaking and I greatly appreciate Lionsgate giving me the opportunity to further elevate the franchise. I am both thrilled and deeply inspired to make this happen.”
Stahelski echoed the excitement, saying, “One of my favorite characters in the John Wick world is Caine. To have the chance to dive into his world and discover all his adventures excites us all. We envision a modern-day kung-fu classic that explores the John Wick world, and who better to helm it than Donnie Yen himself. His understanding of the culture, the world, and, of course, the action, make him the perfect director for this project.”
Yen is no stranger to directing, having previously helmed titles like Sakra, The Prosecutor, Protégé de la Rose Noire, Shanghai Affairs, Ballistic Kiss, Legend of the Wolf, and Asian Cop: High Voltage.
Next on the docket for the John Wick franchise is the upcoming spinoff Ballerina, starring Academy Award-nominee Ana de Armas (Knives Out; No Time to Die; Ghosted) in the lead role as Eve Macarro.
The supporting cast consists of Keanu Reeves (The Matrix; Speed; Sonic the Hedgehog 3) as the legendary John Wick, Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family; Prizzi’s Honor), Gabriel Byrne (The Usual Suspects; Miller's Crossing), the late Lance Reddick (John Wick; The Wire), Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace; The Affair), Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead; Boondock Saints), Ian McShane (Deadwood; John Wick), Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Enola Holmes 2; Dune), and David Castañeda (Poker Face; The Umbrella Academy).
Len Wiseman (Underworld; Live Free or Die Hard) helmed the spinoff, while Shay Hatten (John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum; Army of the Dead) penned the script. Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski are attached as producers.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina hits theaters on June 6!
Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.