Akira is coming back for more John Wick ass-kicking.
Rina Sawayama, who became a fan-favourite as the fearless daughter of Hiroyuki Sanada’s Shimazu Koji in “John Wick: Chapter 4,” will reprise her role opposite Donnie Yen in the franchise’s upcoming spinoff “Caine” for Lionsgate.
First officially unveiled at CinemaCon, “Caine” is also being directed by Yen, and produced by franchise producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee (“John Wick” chapters 1 through 4, “Ballerina,” “Monkey Man”) through their Thunder Road shingle and by Chad Stahelski (“John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum,” “Day Shift,” “John Wick: Chapter 4”), who produces through his 87Eleven Entertainment production banner. Yen will also serve as an executive producer on the project.
Lionsgate is set to launch sales on the project — which goes into production later this year — in Cannes.
“Rina is such a badass,” said Stahelski. “I love what she did with this role in Chapter 4 and can’t wait to see her cross paths with Caine once again.”
Added Yen: “Most delighted to welcome Rina back into this new exciting journey with us. It will be my pleasure and attempt to elevate her amazing character that left us mesmerized from John Wick: Chapter 4!”
The film is being billed as an Hong Kong-style action thriller much like those that made Yen famous, with the latest screenplay written by Mattson Tomlin (the upcoming “The Batman Part II” and “BRZRKR”). The previous draft was written by Robert Askins.
While the logline is being kept under wraps, the new film will continue the story arcs following the events of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” as Caine has been freed from his obligations to the High Table.
The film is being developed through Stahelski’s deal with Lionsgate as he oversees the expansion of the John Wick universe.
“John Wick: Chapter 4 introduced us to so many compelling, original characters, including Akira. We’re beyond thrilled to have Rina coming back to the franchise—Caine and Akira have unfinished business, and this next chapter in their stories will be explosive,” said Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Added Iwanyk: “Rina will be a tremendous addition to this film, and we’re excited to be returning to Caine’s corner of the John Wick Universe as we start production soon.”
“Caine” marks the latest addition to the expanding John Wick universe, of which the first spinoff is “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas as an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma. The film, directed by Len Wiseman, written by Shay Hatten, based on characters created by Derek Kolstad, and produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski, will be released on June 6.
Lionsgate also recently announced that is is working on an animated John Wick film, to be directed by Shannon Tindle and written by Vanessa Taylor, and is in development on a fifth chapter in the John Wick story.
Sawayama is represented by Paradigm and Wasserman Music.
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