Having played the iconic blind, cane-wielding assassin Caine in John Wick: Chapter 4, martial arts legend Donnie Yen is set to reprise the role in a spin-off film of his own. Not only that, as unveiled by Lionsgate at the CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the 61-year-old actor will also make his English-language directorial debut with the film, billed as a Hong Kong-style action thriller. The script will be written by Mattson Tomlin, who also wrote The Batman Part II and the adaptation of the Keanu Reeves-created comic book BRZRKR. Tomlin is taking over the writing duties from the previous screenwriter Robert Askins. Here's everything we know about Caine A John Wick Spinoff.
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The latest film is a component of Chad Stahelski's recently established agreement with Lionsgate aimed at broadening the John Wick universe. Guiding the project are longtime franchise producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee—who’ve been on board since the first chapter—representing Thunder Road. Stahelski, meanwhile, will also produce via his 87Eleven Entertainment banner, continuing his hands-on role following his work on John Wick: Chapters 3 & 4 and the Ana De Armas-led spinoff Ballerina. Flagship star Keanu Reeves will also be involved as one of the executive producers (and perhaps, give an extended cameo like he did on Ballerina).
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“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 indelible mark and had fans asking for more,” said Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “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.”
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Praising Yen’s starpower and directorial prowess, Fogelson added: “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. 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 also expressed his excitement in going back to the Caine role.
“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,” Yen said about his experience making the fourquel. “Caine is an incredible character with a haunted past, and I am excited to return to the role.”
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In John Wick 4, Caine stole the scene as a blind assassin lured from retirement to hunt down John Wick at the behest of the High Table. The kitchen fight scene between Caine and a bunch of goons, which involves an ingenious use of motion sensor bells, is one of the most inventive fight scenes in recent times, and Yen’s martial arts gravita has been praised endlessly since the film’s release. The untitled spin-off is expected to continue Caine’s journey after he’s been freed from High Table’s clutch at the end of the film.
Caine A John Wick Spinoff
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The decision to hand in the directorial reins to Yen is guaranteed to give the film its own edge. The movie star is no stranger to directing action movies. Yen has served as action director to numerous Hong Kong movies, beginning from Tiger Cage in 1988. His other action director resume includes films such as Wing Chun (1994), Dragon Tiger Gate (2005), Flash Point (2007), Bodyguards and Assassins (2009), and many more. He made his debut as a feature film director with the movie Legend of the Wolf (1997) and subsequently directed action-focused films such as Ballistic Kiss (1998), Shanghai Affair (1998), The Twins Effect (2003), Sakra (2023), and The Prosecutor (2024). The John Wick spin-off will mark Yen’s directorial debut in Hollywood.
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“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,” Yen said of his directorial gig. “I am both thrilled and deeply inspired to make this happen.”
Stahelski added: “One of my favorite characters in the John Wick world is Caine. To have the chance to dive into his world and discover all his adventures excites us all. We envision a modern-day kung-fu classic that explores the John Wick world, and who better to helm it than Donnie Yen himself? His understanding of the culture, the world, and, of course, the action, makes him the perfect director for this project.”
Caine A John Wick Spinoff
“There is no one who knows this character better than Donnie, and he knows exactly how to deliver what audiences want and expect from Hong Kong-style action,” Iwanyk and Lee said. “He’s clearly the best choice to direct and we’re excited to begin production.”
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Having debuted as a stuntman himself, Yen parlayed his stunning martial arts skills and charismatic acting into a very successful career in international cinema. While western audiences have only begun to notice his prominence, he’s a highly regarded figure in Asian cinema, best known for his role in the Ip Man franchise. In recent years, he’s made a foray into Hollywood with films like Mulan (2020), xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2015), among others. He is represented by Independent Artist Group, as well as Cissy Wang at Bullet Films.
Production of the pic is slated to begin later this year.
