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In 2023, “John Wick: Chapter 4” introduced us to a bunch of new characters in the “Wick” universe, include Rina Sawayama’s Akira, fierce daughter of Shimazu Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada). Now, Variety has confirmed that Sawayama will reprise her role as Akira in the upcoming spinoff “Caine”.
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“Caine” will star and be directed by Donnie Yen, who likewise made his “Wick” debut in “John Wick: Chapter 4”. There is still no official logline for the film, but it is reportedly being billed as a Hong Kong-style action thriller and will take place after the events of “John Wick: Chapter 4”, with Yen’s Caine no longer owing anything to the High Table.
“Rina is such a badass,” said “John Wick” director Chad 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.”
“Most delighted to welcome Rina back into this new exciting journey with us,” said Yen. “It will be my pleasure and attempt to elevate her amazing character that left us mesmerized from ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’!”
Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, added, “‘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.”
“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 producer Basil Iwanyk.
The world of “John Wick” is expanding quickly with the first spinoff film, “Ballerina”, ready to release in theaters June 6. Before that, on May 9, the documentary “Wick Is Pain” becomes available on digital, chronicling the making of “John Wick” and how a single indie action film became a popular cinematic universe.
Keanu Reeves will be reprising his titular role in “John Wick: Chapter 5” with Stahelski once more returning to direct, and the expansion of the “Wick” Universe doesn’t end with films. Along with the already released 2023 miniseries “The Continental”, the series “John Wick: Under the High Table” is on the way. Set after the events of “John Wick: Chapter 4”, it explores a new, younger generation of assassins.
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