As the John Wick universe continues to grow, Lionsgate has added another project to its slate: a feature film focused on Donnie Yen's Caine character from John Wick: Chapter 4.
Lionsgate announced the news today, adding that Yen will be returning to reprise the character. It's set to begin production in Hong Kong next year, and is being written by Robert Askins, known for his work on Netflix's The Umbrella Academy, AMC's The Son, and his Tony-nominated play Hand to God.
Plot details are currently being kept under wraps, but the studio says the new movie "will continue Yen’s story arc following the events of John Wick: Chapter 4, as Caine has been freed from his obligations to the High Table."
The film is being developed as part of a recently announced deal with John Wick director Chad Stahelski that gives him creative oversight over the entire franchise. The Caine film will be shepherded by Stahelski and Wick producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of production company Thunder Road.
“From the moment Donnie Yen appeared on screen in John Wick: Chapter 4, he captivated audiences and created an authentic, emotional connection that left an inedible mark and had fans asking for more,” said Adam Fogelson, chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group in the announcement. “The John Wick universe that Chad, Basil, Erica, and Keanu have built offers a tapestry of fascinating characters brought to life by the most extraordinary performers, and we’re excited to have one of the world’s biggest superstars on board to continue this journey.”
“Working on John Wick: Chapter 4 was an extraordinary experience,” added Yen. “The reason these films resonate so deeply is because, like myself, Chad, Basil, and Erica push themselves to create action, fights, and stunts that are not only thrilling, inventive and artistic, but also expressive of character, story, and emotion. Caine is an incredible character with a haunted past, and I am excited to return to the role.”
The announcement doesn't come as a huge shock given the way Lionsgate has continued to invest in the Wick franchise, and also Yen's own stated desire to return to the character. Last March, Yen said in an interview that he would "love" to do a spinoff centered on Caine.
The next film in the John Wick universe, Ana de Armas' Ballerina, will hit theaters on June 6, 2025. It's also been confirmed that John Wick 5 is in the works, and Stahelski has teased both an anime and a TV show, separate from The Continental series that came out last September.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
