Donnie Yen recently revealed that he is in discussions to direct the Caine spin-off film, making it the first John Wick film to be helmed by one of its main stars.
Yen debuted as Caine in John Wick: Chapter 4, portraying a blind High Table assassin forced out of retirement to kill his former friend, John Wick, to protect his daughter. In May 2024, it was announced that a Caine spin-off was in development, with Yen reprising his role, Chad Stahelski producing, and Robert Askins (The Umbrella Academy) penning the script.
In an interview with Collider, Yen provided a significant update, confirming he’s not only returning as Caine but also in talks to direct. Stahelski, who directed all four John Wick films, floated the idea of Yen taking the director’s chair. “I think both the fans, as well as the studio, want this to happen, and we’ll see,” Yen said. “I don’t know, Steve. I can only tell you that much. But yes, we are talking, and we are talking intimately. We’ll see what happens.”
Stahelski remains heavily involved in expanding the John Wick universe, which includes the upcoming Ballerina movie starring Ana de Armas. While directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina reportedly underwent extensive reshoots overseen by Stahelski, indicating the importance of finding the right creative direction. The Caine spin-off, planned to shoot in Hong Kong in 2025, is progressing steadily, with production potentially starting later this year.
Yen, renowned for his roles in the Ip Man series and extensive martial arts background, also boasts directorial experience. His films, including Tiger Cage, Legend of the Wolf, and The Prosecutor, showcase his skill in crafting visually stunning and dynamic action scenes. This expertise, combined with his deep understanding of Caine’s character, positions him as an ideal choice to direct the spin-off.
While the Caine spin-off remains untitled and without a release date, it promises to further expand the John Wick universe under Donnie Yen’s potential direction.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
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