Lionsgate is considering tapping Donnie Yen to direct the John Wick spin-off movie involving Yen’s Caine character.
It was announced in May 2024 that Caine, a character who debuted in 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4, would be getting his own spin-off movie. Yen will reprise his role in the film, which will follow Caine after he “has been freed from his obligations to the High Table.”
The film is being written by Robert Askins, while a director has not yet been officially announced.
Speaking with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Yen was asked if there was any truth to reports that he could potentially direct the spin-off movie.
What did Donnie Yen say about the John Wick Caine spin-off movie?
“I think both the fans, as well as the studio, want this to happen, and we’ll see,” Yen answered. “I don’t know, Steve. I can only tell you that much. But yes, we are talking, and we are talking intimately. We’ll see what happens. But at the same time, I hold responsibility as well as a pressure that I don’t want to ruin the franchise. I try to do my best to bring something fresh to the franchise itself. I don’t want to bring down the expectations for the fans. I try to do my best, like always.”
Yen has previously directed movies such as 1997’s Legend of the Wolf, 1998’s Ballistic Kiss, 1998’s Shanghai Affairs, 2023’s Sakra, and, most recently, 2024’s The Prosecutor. Additionally, he co-directed 2004’s Protégé de la Rose Noire alongside Wong Chun-chun.
Yen said when the Caine spin-off movie was initially announced, “Working on John Wick: Chapter 4 was an extraordinary experience. The reason these films resonate so deeply is because, like myself, Chad, Basil, and Erica push themselves to create action, fights, and stunts that are not only thrilling, inventive, and artistic, but also expressive of character, story, and emotion. Caine is an incredible character with a haunted past, and I am excited to return to the role.”
The Caine spin-off movie does not have a release date at this time.
