The legendary assassin John Wick isn’t down for the count just yet. Despite his apparent demise on the steps of Sacré-Cœur in John Wick: Chapter 4, rumors of his death have been greatly exaggerated. At CinemaCon 2025 on April 1, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson dropped a bombshell: John Wick 5 is officially in development, with Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role and Chad Stahelski returning to direct. The announcement, made ahead of the eagerly awaited Ballerina spinoff starring Ana de Armas, sent shockwaves through the Las Vegas crowd. Here’s everything we know about Wick’s next chapter—and the expanding John Wick universe.

Keanu Reeves Back as the Baba Yaga

Fans feared the end had come for John Wick after Chapter 4’s emotional finale, but Lionsgate has other plans. Speaking at CinemaCon, Fogelson assured attendees, “Keanu, Chad, Basil [Iwanyk], and Erica [Lee] wouldn’t return unless they had something truly phenomenal and fresh to say with these characters and this world.” Reeves, who’s starred in all four films since 2014, will team up again with Stahelski, the franchise’s visionary director known for jaw-dropping action sequences involving nunchucks, punches, and kicks. Producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road are also on board, promising a continuation that honors Wick’s legacy.

Details on John Wick 5’s plot, supporting cast, and release date remain under wraps, per The Hollywood Reporter’s CinemaCon coverage. Speculation is rife—could Wick’s “death” be a ruse, setting up a mythical underworld adventure? Until Lionsgate spills the beans, fans are left guessing. But Fogelson’s tease of a “phenomenal and fresh” story suggests this won’t be a rehash of past glories. With the franchise grossing over $1 billion globally, expectations are sky-high for Wick’s fifth outing.

An Animated Prequel: Wick’s Impossible Task

Lionsgate didn’t stop at John Wick 5. Fogelson unveiled a thrilling animated prequel, directed by Shannon Tindle (Kubo and the Two Strings), with Reeves lending his voice to the titular hitman. Set before the 2014 original, the film dives into Wick’s “Impossible Task”—a mythic feat where he eliminates all rivals in a single night to break free from the High Table. This origin story promises to flesh out the assassin’s early days, blending anime-inspired visuals with the franchise’s signature action flair. “We can’t wait for audiences to see where the journey takes us next,” Fogelson added, hinting at a bold expansion of Wick’s neon-lit world.

The prequel taps into fan curiosity about Wick’s past, a topic long teased but never fully explored. With Reeves’ voice bringing gravitas and Tindle’s animation expertise, it’s poised to be a visual spectacle when it eventually hits screens—no release date has been set, but anticipation is already building.

Donnie Yen’s Caine Spinoff Takes Shape

The Wickiverse grows even further with a Caine spinoff, starring and directed by martial arts legend Donnie Yen. First announced in May 2024, the project gained momentum at CinemaCon, with Yen confirmed to helm the film and Mattson Tomlin (The Batman Part II) penning the script. Picking up after Chapter 4, it follows the blind assassin Caine post-High Table liberation. Production is slated to begin late 2025 in Hong Kong, promising a stylish, Yen-infused take on the John Wick aesthetic. This standalone adventure could redefine action cinema, much like Yen’s work in Ip Man and Rogue One.

Ballerina Sets the Stage

Before John Wick 5 arrives, fans will get their fix with Ballerina, hitting theaters June 7, 2025. Starring Ana de Armas as a vengeful dancer-turned-assassin, the spinoff bridges Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, with Reeves making a cameo as Wick. Unveiled at CinemaCon alongside John Wick 5, it’s the next chapter in Lionsgate’s ambitious expansion, proving the franchise’s flame burns brighter than ever.

Conclusion: The Wickiverse Expands

From John Wick 5’s mysterious return to an animated prequel and Caine’s solo outing, CinemaCon 2025 cemented John Wick’s unstoppable legacy. Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski are back to deliver what promises to be a groundbreaking sequel, while spinoffs broaden the universe’s scope. With Ballerina just months away, the Wickiverse is poised to dominate screens for years to come. Stay tuned—because the Baba Yaga’s journey is far from over.