Rina Sawayama, who captivated audiences with her breakout performance as Akira in "John Wick: Chapter 4", is officially set to return to the action-packed world of the "John Wick" franchise. Lionsgate has announced that Sawayama will once again portray the fan-favorite assassin in the upcoming "Caine" spinoff film, starring and directed by legendary martial arts icon Donnie Yen. The announcement was made today by Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Sawayama's return marks the continuation of a storyline that resonated with fans in "Chapter 4", where her character Akira was introduced as a fierce and emotionally complex figure within the broader "John Wick" universe. Her compelling performance and action scenes quickly established her as a standout among the film's new characters.
"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 Fogelson.
The new "Caine" feature will dive deeper into the personal arc of Yen's titular character, a blind High Table assassin who found himself caught between duty and personal redemption in "Chapter 4". Now free from his obligations to the High Table, Caine's journey continues in a narrative that promises intense action, emotional stakes, and new dimensions of the "John Wick" universe.
Production on the film is slated to begin in Hong Kong later this year and is being backed by a seasoned team of franchise veterans. Producing are Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road, whose producing credits span all four "John Wick" films, the upcoming "Ballerina" spinoff, and the Dev Patel-directed "Monkey Man". Chad Stahelski, the longtime architect behind the "John Wick" films' signature style, will also produce via his 87Eleven Entertainment banner.
"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," said Iwanyk.
Stahelski praised Sawayama's performance and her potential impact on the next installment, saying, "Rina is such a badass. I love what she did with this role in Chapter 4 and can't wait to see her cross paths with Caine once again,*" he shared.
Donnie Yen, who brought gravitas and nuance to the role of Caine, expressed his enthusiasm for reuniting with Sawayama on screen. Yen, who will also serve as executive producer in addition to directing, aims to bring his signature stylistic flair to the project. “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!” he said.
The screenplay is currently being developed by Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on "The Batman Part II" and "BRZRKR", based on a previous draft by Robert Askins. While plot details remain under wraps, the film is confirmed to pick up after the events of "John Wick: Chapter 4", continuing the narrative threads of both Caine and Akira in a standalone story that promises to expand the franchise's mythos.
Next on the slate for the franchise is "Ballerina", starring Ana de Armas as a deadly assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma. Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten (based on characters created by Derek Kolstad), "Ballerina" is scheduled for release on June 6, 2025. The film is also produced by Iwanyk, Lee, and Stahelski.
In addition to the live-action projects, Lionsgate has revealed development on an animated "John Wick" feature, to be directed by Shannon Tindle and written by Vanessa Taylor, and a fifth "John Wick" installment is currently in early development.
