Donnie Yen has inked a deal to reprise his role as Caine, the highly skilled, blind assassin introduced in John Wick: Chapter 4, in a new film from Lionsgate set to shoot in Hong Kong next year, the studio announced on Wednesday.
While the logline is being kept under wraps, the new film will continue Yen’s story arc following the events of Chapter 4, as Caine has been freed from his obligations to the High Table.
The new film was developed as part of Chad Stahelski’s recently announced deal with Lionsgate to oversee the expansion of the John Wick universe and will be shepherded by franchise producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee (John Wick: Chapters 1 through 4) for Thunder Road and Stahelski (John Wick: Chapters 3 & 4, Ballerina) through his 87Eleven Entertainment banner.
Script is written by Robert Askins, the Tony-nominated writer of the play Hand to God, who has also worked on such series as The Umbrella Academy and The Son. Lionsgate’s Caine film is just the latest extension of a billion-dollar action franchise, which last fall rolled out the Peacock miniseries The Continental: From the World of John Wick. Up next for release, on June 6, 2025, is Ballerina, a female-driven spin-off which stars Ana de Armas as an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma.
“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 inedible mark and had fans asking for more,” said Adam Fogelson, chair, 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.”
Calling his experience with John Wick: Chapter 4 “extraordinary,” Yen said that “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. Caine is an incredible character with a haunted past, and I am excited to return to the role.”
An internationally recognized actor and martial artist, Yen has also been seen in such recent films as Mulan, Ip Man 4: The Finale, xXx: Return of Xander Cage and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, among others. He is represented by Independent Artist Group, as well as Peco Ng at Bullet Films.
Askins is repped by WME and Grandview.
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