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John Wick’s “Impossible Task” Will Be Brought To Life In Anime Prequel Film

A new John Wick anime movie is deep into development, exploring a pivotal backstory from the franchise’s lore. Renowned for directing all four John Wick films, Chad Stahelski is set to unveil the “impossible task” that allowed Keanu Reeves’ character to leave his hitman life behind, initially for a peaceful existence with his late wife, Helen.

This project, announced shortly after Stahelski discussed his upcoming anime series Lazarus at New York Comic Con (NYCC), marks a significant expansion into the anime format for the John Wick saga. “Right now, we’re knee-deep in development on a feature anime about John Wick. It’s a prequel to the movies, which is awesome. It’s fun that it’s in a different medium,” Stahelski revealed during a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Unlike previous adaptations, this feature-length anime aims to offer a fresh and dynamic take on the assassin’s story, focusing on an untold chapter of Wick’s past.

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John Wick Anime

The development of this anime feature comes as part of a broader initiative to explore different storytelling mediums within the John Wick universe. Stahelski expressed his excitement about using animation to push the boundaries of the franchise, noting that the animated format allows for more exaggerated and adventurous storytelling. “It’s animated fun. Some of the prequels and sequels that you see in other franchises, we’re not meant to be built that way,” Stahelski emphasised, indicating that the anime will maintain the franchise’s thrilling essence while expanding its creative horizons. “We want to have fun with the Wick world, but we’ve already capped it on one end [with John Wick: Chapter 4], so let’s go back and use a different medium. We can be a little bit more crazy and nutty in the anime.”

Stahelski also highlighted the importance of maintaining creative control over the franchise as it diversifies into new formats like television and anime. He recounted instances where he and Keanu Reeves had to assert their vision for the character against external suggestions, underscoring their role as custodians of the John Wick legacy.

This move into anime is not just a venture into new genre territory but also a strategic response to the increasing global appetite for anime. With hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia captivating worldwide audiences, Hollywood has been keen to adapt its popular properties into anime. Netflix has seen mixed results with this strategy, finding success with adaptations like One Piece while facing challenges with others like Death Note.

Cowboy Bebop Shinichiro Watanabe Lazarus

Stahelski’s involvement in anime doesn’t stop with John Wick. He’s also collaborating with Shinichiro Watanabe, known for Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, on the anime series Lazarus. Set for a 2025 release, this series further demonstrates Stahelski’s commitment to exploring new creative landscapes.

While a release date for the John Wick anime has not been set, anticipation is high. Fans are eager to see how this new medium will handle the gritty, action-packed world of John Wick and how it will deepen the character’s iconic story.