The Caine Caine John Wick spinoff is in development.

During the Lionsgate CinemaCon today, which ScreenRant attended, it was confirmed that Caine's John Wick spinoff will start filming in Hong Kong later this year. Yen will direct the film with a script from Mattson Tomlin, with a first draft having been completed by Robert Askins. Though no story details are revealed, the announcement confirms that the spinoff will take place after the events of John Wick: Chapter 4 and after Caine has been freed from his obligations to the High Table.

With production getting underway this year, the Caine spinoff could release in theaters in 2026 or 2027.

Stylistically, the Caine spinoff is said to take after the "uniquely designed action films that Yen helped make famous," with Stahelski overseeing development as part of his deal with Lionsgate. The spinoff will feature Yen as an executive producer alongside franchise producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee for Thunder Road, and franchise director Chad Stahelski for 87Eleven Entertainment. Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, shared the following statement about the spinoff, teasing Yen's immense contributions and vision:

“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. 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.”

Yen himself also shared a brief statement about the project, expressing his gratitude for getting to take the reins as director:

“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. I am both thrilled and deeply inspired to make this happen.”

Stahelski, who directed all previous John Wick movies, commented on the Caine spinoff, revealing his iration for the character and hyping the film as a "modern day kung-fu classic" that will further expand the franchise:

“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.”

Finally, Iwanyk and Lee shared a statement on the Caine spinoff, calling Yen the perfect candidate to shepherd this new expansion of the John Wick universe:

“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.”

What This Means For The Caine Spinoff

The John Wick: Chapter 4 Post-Credits Scene Teases A Potential Story Direction

Yen has a long history in the action genre as a star and as a director, with his most recent effort being 2024's The Prosecutor. This martial arts film currently enjoys a 93% score on cast of John Wick: Chapter 4, Yen is well known for starring in the action-packed Ip Man franchise, as well as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), as well as dozens of Hong Kong martial arts movies dating back to the 1980s.

The confirmation that the Caine spinoff will take place after the events of the most recent film also seemingly resolves the John Wick: Chapter 4 post-credits scene. The brief scene after the credits features Akira (Rina Sawayama) moving toward Caine in a crowd and pulling a knife, seemingly set to exact revenge after he killed her father. Caine will obviously be surviving this encounter, and it's possible that Akira will return to play a role in the narrative, potentially tracking him to Hong Kong.

Our Take On The John Wick Caine Spinoff

Yen Is The Right Person For The Job

Stahelski has been crucial to the style, tone, and success of the John Wick movies, and he clearly has a great eye for action. Stahelski's absence as a director is part of why The Continental spinoff show wasn't quite as successful as the films. Yen, however, has extensive experience in the genre and will seemingly be getting to put his own spin on his Caine movie, and this could end up being a match made in heaven.

The Continental has only a lukewarm 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest of the franchise.

With production getting underway this year, a first promotional image of Caine's return is hopefully not far off, in addition to confirmation regarding other potential returning cast . Though Reeves' titular character is clearly a major reason for the appeal of the franchise, Caine was a surprising standout in Chapter 4, and certainly deserving of further exploration in his very own John Wick spinoff.

Source: Lionsgate