Action fans rejoice! TheJohn Wickspin-off led byChapter 4star and martial arts iconDonnie Yenis finally happening, with the actor all set to return to both star and direct the project. The spin-off was announced at the ongoing CinemaCon event, with Yen making a comeback as Caine, the blind High Table assassin and old friend of Wick who stole the show back in 2023’sJohn Wick: Chapter 4.
The Caine spin-off is something that both fans, and Donnie Yen, have wanted to see ever since the character made his debut. While some details are still being kept under wraps, the movie will pick up following the events ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4, which saw Caine freed from his obligations to the High Table and returning to Paris to reunite with his estranged daughter…before being approached by a vengeful Akira (Rina Sawayama).
One ‘John Wick’ Star Isn’t Interested In Returning for Fifth Movie After Being Cut Earlier in the Franchise
“I had a whole backstory and everything, but I don’t want to get into all that.”
Now set to be written by Mattson Tomlin (The Batman, The Batman Part 2), the Caine spin-off will start filming this year and will offer all manner of “Hong Kong-style action.” The project comes as part of Chad Stahelski’s recently announced deal with Lionsgate, which will see the filmmaker and former stuntman overseeing the expansion of theJohn Wickfranchise, beginning with theAna de Armas-ledFrom the World of John Wick: Ballerina, which is due to land in theaters on June 18, 2025.
Donnie Yen Understands the Pressure of Taking the ‘John Wick’ Franchise Into the Next Chapter
Donnie Yen has been a staple of Hong Kong martial arts and action movies for some time.Best known for rolesin the likes of theIp Manfranchise,Iron Monkey,Hero, Blade 2, Once Upon a Time in China II, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and many, many more, Yen has seen a resurgence in his Hollywood career after stealing the show in the modern action movie masterpieceJohn Wick: Chapter 4.
Yen is also no stranger to directing, with the actor and martial artist having helmed the likes ofSakraandThe Prosecutor, the latter of whichhas seen huge critical successand now stands at an impressive 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Thus, helming the Caine spin-off is something Yen has had his eye on, with the actor saying previously…
“I think both the fans, as well as the studio, want this to happen, and we’ll see. I don’t know, Steve. I can only tell you that much. But yes, we are talking, and we are talking intimately. We’ll see what happens.”
However, while eager, Yen is fully aware of the responsibility at hand and thepressure of leading theJohn Wickfranchiseinto its next chapter…
“But at the same time, I hold responsibility as well as a pressure that I don’t want to ruin the franchise. I attempt to do my best to bring something fresh to the franchise itself. I don’t want to bring down the expectations for the fans. I try to do my best, like always.”
John Wick: Chapter 4
