The ‘Ultraman: Rising’ writer/director has boarded Lionsgate’s upcoming feature, just announced at CinemaCon, with franchise star Keanu Reeves reportedly voicing the famed hitman in a story about completing the Impossible Task.
‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Image © 2022 Lionsgate.
Adam Fogelson, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair, has just announced at CinemaCon that Shannon Tindle, writer / director of last year’s Netflix hit, Ultraman: Rising, is on board to direct an untitled animated John Wick prequel feature, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Franchise star Keanu Reeves reportedly will voice the lead character. John Wick franchise guardian Chad Stahelski is also involved with the project. Vanessa Taylor (The Shape of Water, Hillbilly Elegy) is writing the script.
The film will be set prior to the events of 2014’s John Wick feature that starred Keanu Reeves as the mostly indestructible hitman. The story will see Wick completing the “Impossible Task” of killing his enemies in one night to fulfill his obligation to the High Table.
Fogelson stated, “In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless. And there is no John Wick story fans are clamoring for more than the Impossible Task. Shannon’s take on that story is an incredible one, and we are beyond excited to see what John Wick can do in animation.”
Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee (John Wick: Chapters 1 through 4, Ballerina, Monkey Man) will produce for Thunder Road, Stahelski for 87Eleven Entertainment, and Reeves. Alex Young and Jason Spitz will serve as executive producers. In a joint statement, Iwanyk and Lee said, “Shannon has a breathtaking vision for a film we’ve all long wanted to make. Alongside Vanessa’s story, we’re hugely excited to bring it to audiences.”
Our next dive into the John Wick universe, Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas as an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma, hits theaters June 5. Watch the trailer here.
Dan Sarto(link sends e-mail) is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
