Well Go USA/Lionsgate
A couple of weeks ago — May 21 — was actually the day that was supposed to be Keanu Reeves Day. That’s right, before our entire existence was upended over a year ago, John Wick 4 AND The Matrix 4 were supposed to hit theaters on the same day: May 21, 2021.
Obviously, because our reality is not as lovely as the one in which Keanu Reeves Day exists, neither John Wick 4 nor The Matrix 4 have hit theaters yet. While The Matrix 4 — rumored to be titled The Matrix: Resurrections — has completed filming and is set to hit theaters in December, John Wick 4 hasn’t even begun production.
Filming on John Wick 4 is *finally* set to begin filming this month, though, and as a result, we’ve recently been treated to some absolutely tasty casting news, as reports indicate that Ip Man star and martial arts legend Donnie Yen will be joining the cast as one of John Wick’s allies.
Yen, best known for his starring role in the acclaimed Ip Man series, is one of the highest-paid actors in Asia and has starred in film such as Rogue One, XXX: Return of Xander Cage, and Mulan. According to the report from Deadline, Yen will be starring as “an old friend of Reeves’ super-assassin John Wick, who shares his same history and many of the same enemies.”
One of the most successful actor-filmmakers from the East, Yen is known for his unique style of contemporary screen combat. His popularity extends worldwide from roles in such features as xXx: Return of Xander Cage, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the IP Man franchise.
“We are very lucky to have Donnie Yen join the franchise,” said director Chad Stahelski. “I am looking forward to working with him in this exciting new role.” [via Deadline]
John Wick 4 (not the official title) is set to begin production this month, with the film set to undergo an international shoot. The original plan was to shoot John Wick 5 consecutively with John Wick 4, however, the pandemic changed those plans. At this time, it’s unclear when John Wick 5 will begin production. John Wick 4 is currently scheduled to hit theaters in the United States on May 22, 2022.
RELATED: Plot Details For The ‘John Wick’ Series About The Continental Hotel Have Finally Emerged
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