The world of John Wick is expanding. The first official spin-off, Ballerina, is all set to land in theaters in 2025, and we now have a promising update regarding one of the most highly anticipated projects in the action franchise: Donnie Yen’s return as the blind assassin, Caine. A solo movie for the character, who was introduced in last year’s John Wick: Chapter 4, has been confirmed…but we’ve heard nothing since. Well, here comes film journalist Brandon Streussnig with some good news, as he reveals that one of the John Wick producers has confirmed the Caine movie is happening, and that Rina Sawayama’s Shimazu Akira will also make a comeback.
Asked if “we’re definitely seeing the Donnie/Rina movie,” the unnamed producer responded with a decisive…
“Yes. Absolutely, yes.”
After stealing the show as Caine in John Wick 4, Donnie Yen quickly expressed his desire to return for a spin-off. Thankfully, he got his wish, with the movie being officially confirmed to be in development back in May. Yen released a statement at the time, in which he praised his time working on Wick alongside Keanu Reeves, and said he cannot wait to explore the character’s “haunted past.”
“Working on John Wick: Chapter 4 was an extraordinary experience. 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 John Wick Spin-Offs Begin With Ballerina on June 6, 2025
Set to be written by Robert Askins (The Son, The Umbrella Academy), the Caine spin-off comes as part of Chad Stahelski’s recently announced deal with Lionsgate, which will see the filmmaker and former stuntman overseeing the expansion of the John Wick franchise. So far, this includes next year’s Ballerina starring Ana de Armas, a television series, an anime project, and possibly John Wick: Chapter 5.
John Wick has become one of the most successful action franchises of all time. And no doubt the studio is hoping this success will continue with all these upcoming projects. First up is the prequel spin-off From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, which takes place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.
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Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, with Chad Stahelski helming several additional scenes after Wiseman reportedly fell ill during filming, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina stars Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, and Ian McShane alongside Ana de Armas. The spin-off will also see Keanu Reeves reprising the role of Wick, with the dog-loving hitman expected to share a major action scene with de Armas’ fledgling assassin.