John Wick Prequel Anime Film Unveiled: Lionsgate Drops Epic Details at CinemaCon 2025

The John Wick Prequel Anime Film is officially on its way, and Lionsgate has set the action world ablaze with jaw-dropping revelations at CinemaCon 2025. Announced on April 1, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, this animated venture promises to dive deep into the origins of everyone’s favorite assassin, John Wick.

With Keanu Reeves returning to voice the iconic character and a stellar creative team behind it, this prequel is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the franchise. Here’s everything Lionsgate spilled about this thrilling new chapter in the John Wick universe.

What Is the John Wick Prequel Anime Film About?

Lionsgate revealed that the John Wick Prequel Anime Film will take fans back to the beginning, exploring the legendary “Impossible Task” that defined John Wick’s early years. This pivotal event—killing all his rival assassins in a single night—allowed Wick to break free from the High Table’s grip and pursue a life with his love, Helen.

Unlike the live-action films, this anime will offer a stylized, action-packed look at Wick’s past, blending the franchise’s signature intensity with the limitless creativity of animation.

The story is set before the events of the 2014 John Wick movie, giving fans a fresh perspective on how the Baba Yaga earned his freedom. Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, emphasized that this tale is one fans have been “clamoring for,” promising a narrative that’s both epic and emotionally resonant.

Who’s Bringing the John Wick Prequel Anime Film to Life?

The creative team behind the John Wick Prequel Anime Film is a dream lineup. Keanu Reeves is confirmed to lend his voice to John Wick, ensuring the character’s soul remains intact.

Directing the project is Shannon Tindle, known for his work on Ultraman: Rising and Kubo and the Two Strings, bringing a proven track record in animation to the table. The screenplay comes from Vanessa Taylor, whose credits include The Shape of Water, adding depth and nuance to the story.

Producing the film are franchise veterans Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road, alongside Chad Stahelski of 87Eleven Entertainment and Reeves himself. Stahelski, the mastermind behind the John Wick series, shared his excitement, noting that anime has always influenced his work. “To develop a John Wick anime seems like the perfect progression,” he said, hinting at a boundary-pushing take on the universe.

Why Is Anime the Perfect Fit for This John Wick Story?

Anime’s bold, unrestrained style is a natural match for the John Wick Prequel Anime Film. Stahelski has long cited anime as a key inspiration for the franchise’s neon-drenched, high-octane aesthetic. This medium allows the team to “be a little bit more crazy and nutty,” as he put it, offering visuals and action sequences that live-action couldn’t fully capture.

Fogelson echoed this sentiment, stating, “In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless.” The film is aimed at mature audiences, ensuring it retains the gritty, visceral edge that defines the series. Expect stylized bloodshed, intricate world-building, and a deeper dive into the lore fans adore.

When Can Fans Expect the John Wick Prequel Anime Film?

While Lionsgate didn’t announce a specific release date at CinemaCon 2025, the John Wick Prequel Anime Film is already in active development. Given the franchise’s momentum—with John Wick: Chapter 4 grossing over $440 million globally and Ballerina set for June 6, 2025—this project is likely a priority.

Production updates suggest it’s moving full steam ahead, so fans might see it hit screens in 2026 or 2027.

The announcement came alongside other John Wick expansions, including John Wick: Chapter 5 and a Donnie Yen-directed Caine spinoff, signaling Lionsgate’s all-in approach to the franchise. Stay tuned for more as this anime takes shape!

How Does This Fit Into the Expanding John Wick Universe?

The John Wick Prequel Anime Film is part of Lionsgate’s ambitious plan to grow the franchise across multiple mediums. Alongside the anime, John Wick: Chapter 5 will see Reeves and Stahelski return for another live-action outing, despite Wick’s apparent death in Chapter 4.

Meanwhile, the Caine spinoff, directed by and starring Donnie Yen, will explore the blind assassin’s post-Chapter 4 journey in a Hong Kong-style action flick.

This prequel also joins Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, and TV projects like The Continental and the upcoming John Wick: Under the High Table. It’s clear Lionsgate sees endless potential in Wick’s world, and the anime is a bold step to keep fans hooked.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The John Wick Prequel Anime Film is poised to be a game-changer, blending the franchise’s heart-pounding action with anime’s limitless imagination. With Keanu Reeves’ voice, Shannon Tindle’s direction, and a story fans have begged to see, this prequel could redefine how we view John Wick’s legacy.

CinemaCon 2025 has ignited the hype, and as development progresses, the wait for this animated epic feels more thrilling than ever.

The Baba Yaga’s past is coming to life—get ready for a wild ride!

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