As the iconic and influential martial arts legend Donnie Yen reprises his renowned role as Caine, the assassin from “John Wick: Chapter 4,” in a new film centered around him for Lionsgate, Yen will step behind the camera to direct the film. The “Caine” film will begin production in Hong Kong later this year.

The film will be produced by franchise producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee (“John Wick: Chapters 1 through 4,” “Ballerina,” “Monkey Man”) through their Thunder Road shingle, and by Chad Stahelski (“John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum,” “Day Shift,” “John Wick: Chapter 4,” “Ballerina”), who produces through his 87Eleven Entertainment production banner. Yen will also serve as an executive producer on the project.

The studio also announced that Mattson Tomlin, writer of the upcoming “The Batman Part II” and the adaptation of the Keanu Reeves-created comic book BRZRKR, has joined to write the project. The previous draft of the screenplay of the new film was written by Robert Askins.

The new film is stylistically modeled on the uniquely designed action films that Yen helped make famous, while being developed through Chad Stahelski’s deal with Lionsgate as he oversees the expansion of the “John Wick” universe.

“From the moment Chad and Donnie pitched the idea of a Donnie Yen-style action film in the mode of ‘John Wick,’ I was all in,” said Adam Fogelson, chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “Donnie is not only an incredible, charismatic star, but a smart, cinematic director who knows how to deliver massively entertaining action for a global audience. We’re thrilled that he’s in the director’s chair to tell Caine’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,” said Yen. “I am both thrilled and deeply inspired to make this happen.”

Stahelski added, “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. 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.”

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.”

Donnie Yen’s films have revolutionized action cinema over the last several decades. The film legend helped introduce mixed martial arts to mainstream cinema with his films “Flashpoint” and the iconic “IP Man” film franchise, among many others. He recently had immense success behind the camera with the critically acclaimed feature “The Prosecutor” (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and the period wuxia film “Sakra” (Yen also produced and starred in both).

Donnie has crossed over into the domestic market with global blockbusters including “Star Wars: Rogue One,” “xXx: Return of Xander Cage,” the Disney feature “Mulan” and the aforementioned “John Wick: Chapter 4.”

While the logline is being kept under wraps, the new film will continue Yen’s story arc following the events of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” as Caine has been freed from his obligations to the High Table.

The next film in the “John Wick” universe is “Ballerina,” which stars Ana de Armas as an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma. The film, directed by Len Wiseman, written by Shay Hatten, based on characters created by Derek Kolstad, and produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski, will be released on June 6, 2025.

Yen is represented by Independent Artist Group, Yorn Levine, and Cissy Wang at Bullet Films. Tomlin is represented by CAA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, SSML, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher.

About Lionsgate Studios
Lionsgate Studios (Nasdaq: LION) is one of the world’s leading standalone, pure play, publicly-traded content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a talent management and production powerhouse and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by Lionsgate’s bold and entrepreneurial culture.

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) owns approximately 87% of the outstanding shares of Lionsgate Studios Corp. (Nasdaq: LION), one of the world’s leading standalone, pure play, publicly-traded content companies, as well as the premium subscription platform STARZ.