Lionsgate Announces 'John Wick' Animated Prequel; Keanu Reeves Set to Voice Iconic Assassin – CinemaCon

At this year’s CinemaCon, Lionsgate officially announced the development of an animated prequel series for its highly successful John Wick franchise. Keanu Reeves, who has portrayed the iconic hitman in the live-action films, is expected to reprise his role as the renowned assassin, bringing his signature presence to this animated project. The prequel, which will dive deeper into the origins of John Wick and his past, will expand the beloved universe in a unique way, offering fans a fresh perspective on the character.

In addition to the animated prequel, the John Wick franchise is growing even further. During the presentation, Lionsgate also revealed plans for a John Wick 5, which will continue the story of Reeves' character. The film will follow the action-packed storyline that began with the first John Wick movie, which introduced audiences to the world of professional assassins and their code of conduct.

The John Wick franchise has seen tremendous success at the box office, with each film outdoing the last in both critical acclaim and revenue. The series, which first premiered in 2014, has solidified Keanu Reeves as a modern action icon. His portrayal of John Wick, a retired assassin seeking vengeance for the death of his beloved dog, resonated with audiences, and the films’ unique combination of stylish action choreography, world-building, and character depth has made it a standout in the action genre.

The announcement of an animated prequel further demonstrates the growing demand for content in the John Wick universe. While details about the show’s plot remain under wraps, it's expected to explore the early life of John Wick, including his rise to becoming one of the most feared assassins in the world. With the involvement of Reeves in the project, fans can anticipate a continuation of the story that remains faithful to the tone of the live-action films.

Beyond the prequel, Lionsgate also revealed plans for spin-off projects in the John Wick universe. One highly anticipated project is a spin-off movie centered on the character Caine, played by Donnie Yen, who was introduced in John Wick: Chapter 4. This spin-off will further explore Caine's backstory and motivations, adding another layer to the ever-expanding world of John Wick.

Lionsgate has firmly established the John Wick franchise as a cornerstone of modern action cinema, and the expansion into both animated and live-action spin-offs will only further cement its place in pop culture. Fans can look forward to more high-octane action, complex characters, and intricate world-building as the John Wick saga continues to evolve in new and exciting directions.

With Keanu Reeves’ ongoing involvement in the franchise and new spin-off films and series in development, it seems that the John Wick universe is only just getting started.

Sources:

• https://deadline.com/2025/04/john-wick-animated-prequel-keanu-reeves-lionsgate-cinemacon-1236355978/ 
• https://variety.com/2025/film/news/keanu-reeves-john-wick-5-cinemacon-1236353834/ 
• https://www.joblo.com/john-wick-5-cinemacon/ 
• https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/action-movies/keanu-reeves-is-returning-for-john-wick-5-as-the-franchise-expands-with-an-anime-prequel-series-and-a-caine-spin-off-movie/