The John Wick anime prequel film now has a confirmed setting, announced during CinemaCon. Keanu Reeves will return to voice his iconic character in this animated venture, in addition to his confirmed role in the upcoming live-action John Wick 5.

The animated prequel will delve into the backstory of John Wick, focusing on his legendary 'Impossible Task.' This task, referenced in the films, involves John Wick eliminating all his rivals in a single night, a feat that not only builds his mythos but also allows him to break free from the High Table and reunite with his love, Helen.

Here’s the official synopsis:

The animated film will go back in time to tell the story of John Wick before the first film, as he completes the Impossible Task — the killing of all of his rivals in one night — in order to free himself from his obligation to the High Table and earn the right to be with the love of his life, Helen.

Like the live-action feature films, the animated movie will deliver the highly stylized and defined action that John Wick fans expect and will be aimed at more mature audiences.

The film is being produced by the established John Wick team, including Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, 87Eleven Entertainment’s Chad Stahelski, and Keanu Reeves. Executive producers include 87Eleven Entertainment’s Alex Young and Jason Spitz.

Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless. And there is no John Wick story fans are clamoring for more than the Impossible Task. Shannon’s take on that story is an incredible one, and we are beyond excited to see what John Wick can do in animation.”

Chad Stahelski also shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I’ve always been fascinated with anime. It has always been a huge influence on me, especially with the John Wick series. To have the opportunity to develop a John Wick anime seems to be the perfect progression for the John Wick world. I feel John Wick is the perfect property for this medium — anime holds the potential to expand our world, our characters, and our action in ways unimaginable before.”

John Wick 4: The Cast of the Action Sequel

13 ImagesIt’s an exciting time for the billion-dollar John Wick franchise. Alongside the four mainline films and the upcoming John Wick 5, the universe expands with two spinoff films: Ballerina, set for release on June 6, and another spinoff directed by and starring Donnie Yen reprising his role as Caine, which will begin production this summer.

Lionsgate Television has also produced The Continental: From the World of John Wick for Peacock and Amazon Prime, and is developing John Wick: Under the High Table, with Stahelski and Reeves serving as executive producers.

Beyond the screen, Lionsgate has launched an immersive John Wick experience in Las Vegas and is developing a AAA video game set in the John Wick universe.