‘John Wick’ Spinoff Starring Donnie Yen With ‘Umbrella Academy’ Writer Robert Askins in the Works, Filming Set for Hong Kong in 2025
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The world of “John Wick” is expanding even more.
Donnie Yen’s blind assassin Caine, who was introduced in last year’s “John Wick: Chapter 4,” will be the center of a new spinoff.
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There are no other details yet, but the spinoff will “continue Yen’s story arc following the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ as Caine has been freed from his obligations to the High Table,” according to Lionsgate.
Robert Askins, who’s written for Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy,” AMC’s “The Son” and received a 2015 Tony nomination for his play “Hand to God,” is writing the screenplay. Lionsgate will begin production on the untitled movie next year in Hong Kong.
The Caine spinoff is developed through “John Wick” director Chad Stahelski’s development deal with Lionsgate to oversee the action franchise. Stahelski will produce through his 87Eleven Entertainment along with Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee.
“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.”
The retired Caine was introduced as an old friend of Keanu Reeves’ master hitman in “John Wick 4,” but the killer pals are turned against each other when Caine is recruited to assassinate John. Caine takes on the contract to protect his daughter, and in the end he’s freed from his obligations to the nefarious High Table. In the post-credits scene, Caine returns to Paris to rejoin his daughter, but he crosses paths with Akira (Rina Sawayama), another killer from “John Wick 4.” Caine was forced to kill Akira’s father Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada), another one of Caine and John’s acquaintances, setting up what will surely be a tense encounter between them.
“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 of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, in a statement. “The ‘John Wick’ universe that Chad, Basil, Erica, and Keanu have built offers a tapestry of fascinating characters brought to life by the most extraordinary performers, and we’re excited to have one of the world’s biggest superstars on board to continue this journey.”
The next chapter in the “John Wick” universe is “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas. It was delayed from this summer to June 6, 2025, and follows de Armas’ Ruksa Roma assassin.
Yen is represented by Independent Artist Group and Peco Ng at Bullet Films. Askins is represented by WME and Grandview.
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