‘John Wick’ spinoff about blind assassin in works under Donnie Yen’s direction — here’s what we know
A fan-favorite from the 'John Wick' franchise is set to get his own moment in the spotlight. An untitled spinoff focusing on Caine will soon start filming, according to Deadline. Announced last spring at CinemaCon, Donnie Yen will executive produce, direct, and reprise his role as the blind assassin in the title. Mattson Tomlin has penned the script, with 'John Wick' producers Thunder Road, and filmmaker Chad Stahelski back on board. Caine's story will pick up after the events of 'John Wick: Chapter 4,' which is the highest-grossing title in the franchise
The update is welcome news for fans, as they weren't completely confident about the project's fate after 'Ballerina's' disappointing box office earnings. Yen is looking forward to bringing the script to the screen. As per Deadline, he aims to create the most definitive "martial arts-infused action film" to date. "What drew me to Caine is the contradiction. He carries love, responsibility, and sacrifice in a world built on consequence. That creates a very different kind of action hero," the film legend shared. "This film is an opportunity to push the genre forward. My goal is to create the most definitive martial arts-infused action film ever made, one that honors what audiences love about John Wick while bringing a new emotional depth and visual language to the story. As both director and actor, I’m excited to shape this chapter in a way that reflects everything I've learned over decades in action cinema, while building something that feels entirely new,” he added.
Caine was introduced in 'John Wick: Chapter 4' as the titular character's old friend. He was ordered to kill Wick, or else he would lose his daughter. At the end, the blind assassin decided to team up with Wick to bring rival assassins down. The audience last saw him being approached by knife-wielding Akira (Rina Sawayama) in Paris, who wanted to avenge the death of her father at Caine's hands. Sawayama will also appear in the spinoff movie. Caine's popularity among the fanbase made him the best bet for producers to continue the franchise after John Wick's supposed death in the 2023 release. Filming is expected to begin next month, but information about the cast, release date, and plot is currently under wraps. This will be Caine's second rodeo as a blind character, following his role as the Guardian, Chirrut Îmwe, in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,' and fans are eager to see him in action again.
