Donnie Yen to Direct His Own John Wick Spinoff
Action superstar Donnie Yen is not only returning to his iconic role as Caine in the upcoming John Wick spinoff, but he will also take on the directorial reins. This announcement was made during a Lionsgate presentation at Cinemacon on Tuesday.
New Creative Team Behind the Film
Alongside Yen’s involvement, noted screenwriter Mattson Tomlin, recognized for his work on The Batman Part II and Netflix’s adaptation of the comic book BRZRKR, will be penning the script for this exciting new project. Production is anticipated to kick off later this year, as the studio ramps up efforts to capitalize on the successful Wick franchise.
Powerful Production Team
The film is set to be produced by the established Wick franchise collaborators Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road, along with Chad Stahelski, the director behind the previous Wick films, through his 87Eleven Entertainment banner. In addition to acting and directing, Yen will also contribute as an executive producer.
Comments from Lionsgate Leadership
“From the moment Chad and Donnie pitched the idea of a Donnie Yen-style action film in the mode of John Wick, I was all in,” remarked Adam Fogelson, Chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “Donnie is not only an incredible, charismatic star, but a smart, cinematic director who knows how to deliver massively entertaining action for a global audience. We’re thrilled that he’s in the director’s chair to tell Caine’s story.”
Yen’s Impressive Career Background
While Donnie Yen is widely recognized by North American audiences for his captivating performances in films like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, and Disney’s Mulan, his prolific career in Hong Kong cinema spans numerous decades. With many films like Flashpoint and the iconic Ip Man series achieving international acclaim, his influence in the action genre is undeniable.
Beyond acting, Yen is also a seasoned director and producer, having established his own production company and showcasing his talents in action choreography for projects like Blade II. His directorial ventures, such as The Prosecutor and the historical wuxia film Sakr, further illustrate his versatility in the film industry.
High Expectations for Action Sequences
Yen aims to craft extraordinary action sequences that echo the innovative style and energy of films that he himself has helped to popularize. He expressed his excitement, stating:
“The John Wick films have set an immensely high standard for action filmmaking and I greatly appreciate Lionsgate giving me the opportunity to further elevate the franchise. I am both thrilled and deeply inspired to make this happen.”
Plot Details and Franchise Continuation
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the spinoff will continue the journey of Caine, the blind assassin previously compelled to eliminate John’s character. Now liberated from the constraints of the High Table, Caine will be confronted with new adversities.
Future of the Wick Franchise
This Caine-focused feature marks the second spinoff in the John Wick universe, following Ballerina, which stars Ana de Armas as a young assassin trained in the traditions of Ruska Roma. Ballerina is set to debut in theaters on June 6.
Representation of the Cast and Crew
Donnie Yen is represented by Independent Artist Group, Yorn Levine, and Cissy Wang at Bullet Films. Meanwhile, writer Mattson Tomlin is represented by CAA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, SSML, and Goodman, Genow.