Summary
While Keanu Reeves' John Wick has seemingly earned his rest following the grim events ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4, the world surrounding the renowned assassin continues to grow in spirited directions.
TheJohn Wickseries has proven to be one of the more consistent film franchises today, with each film garnering more critical and commercial acclaim than the last. The films have enraptured audiences withhighly stylized gun-fu choreography and largely practical stunts, a rarity in modern blockbusters which lean toward computer-generated imagery. The first film was helmed by stuntmen-turned-directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski, the latter being Reeves' stunt double in 1999’sThe Matrixand director of theJohn Wicksequels, while the former went on to direct other large-scale projects such as 2018’sDeadpool 2,2019’sHobbs & Shaw,and 2022’sBullet Train. Complementing the meticulously crafted set pieces is the measured yet understated worldbuilding populated with a memorable cast of characters, namely Donnie Yen’s Caine,who is set to receive his very own spin-off filmin the near future following the blind assassin’s introduction inJohn Wick: Chapter 4.
Speaking withColliderabout his latest directorial effort,The Prosecutor, Yen revealed that he and the studio behind theJohn Wickfilms, Lionsgate, “are talking intimately” about the Caine spin-off film. Yen also revealed thatThe Prosecutorexemplifies his work and dedication as a director, noting that the film was shot for less than $25 million USD — a pragmatic approach he said he would carry with him if he were to direct the Caine film. “I have to flesh it out,” Yen said. “I have a couple of ideas in my mind of how I would like the story to go… I don’t want to give away too much because I don’t know if I’m in that position to give that away. But they’ve been very persistent, and they’ve been very passionate about me taking on this project.” Yen also expressed his desire for Stahelski’s close involvement on the project. “He better be there! I want to make sure it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Yen said. “My attempt is to try to make something that won’t disappoint fans and the general audience.”
Stahelski’s involvement in the Caine film is more likely to happen than not, as the director’s expanded role at the studio — “a gatekeeper” — will give him direct oversight of all projects related to theJohn Wickuniverse.Other projects in development include an anime feature filmchronicling the events leading to Wick’s retirement prior to the first film, a television series following supporting characters in the franchise titledUnder the High Table, and the upcomingFrom the World of John Wick: Ballerina.Ballerina, set between the events ofJohn Wick: Chapter 3 - ParabellumandJohn Wick: Chapter 4, sees Ana de Armas taking on the lead role with Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, and Reeves reprising their roles.
Yen directing the Caine film would echo the theme of stuntpeople tackling directing duties in theJohn Wickseries following Leitch and Stahelski, a prospect that can only benefit the film and franchise as a whole. With his extensive and prolific filmography as an actor, director, and martial artist, the Caine film has found an immaculate match in Yen.
