John Wick Caine Spin-off Movie Gets Exciting Update From Donnie Yen

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John Wick Caine Spin-off Movie Gets Exciting Update From Donnie Yen

Ip Man star Donnie Yen has finally discussed Lionsgate‘s upcoming John Wick Caine spin-off movie after nearly a year since the project was officially announced. Yen will be reprising his fan-favorite role as Caine from John Wick: Chapter 4, who was introduced as a blind assassin who gets hired by the High Table to kill his old friend John Wick for the sake of his daughter’s safety.

In addition to leading the cast, Yen has also signed on as the movie’s director and executive producer. This marks the acclaimed Hong Kong actor’s first time directing an English-language feature. The untitled Caine spin-off will be written by Mattson Tomlin based on a previous draft by Robert Askins. It will be produced by John Wick director Chad Stahelski for 87Eleven Entertainment, along with franchise producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee for Thunder Road. Production is expected to begin sometime this year.

What did Donnie Yen say about his John Wick Caine spin-off movie?

Joining John Wick producers at the recent 2025 CinemaCon, Yen has expressed his excitement to return to the blockbuster franchise for his own standalone movie. His character was last seen at the end of 2023 movie, where he returned to Paris to reunite with daughter after the High Table finally granted him his freedom. However, another fan-favorite character has reappeared in the form of Rina Sawayama’s Akira, who’s looking to get her revenge against Caine for the death of her father. At the moment, it’s currently unclear if Akira would be connected to the upcoming spin-off’s story.

“The John Wick films have set an immensely high standard for action filmmaking and I greatly appreciate Lionsgate giving me the opportunity to further elevate the franchise,” Yen said. “I am both thrilled and deeply inspired to make this happen.”

Iwanyk and Lee added: “There is no one who knows this character better than Donnie, and he knows exactly how to deliver what audiences want and expect from Hong Kong-style action. He’s clearly the best choice to direct and we’re excited to begin production.”

In addition, Stahelski also teased their vision for the John Wick spin-off. He confirmed that the movie is being developed as a “modern day kung-fu classic,” which will feature unique action sequences that are similar to the fighting styles shown in Yen’s previous movies.

“One of my favorite characters in the John Wick world is Caine. To have the chance to dive into his world and discover all his adventures excites us all,” Stahelski said. “We envision a modern day kung-fu classic that explores the John Wick world, and who better to helm it than Donnie Yen himself. His understanding of the culture, the world, and, of course, the action, make him the perfect director for this project.”