John Wick Franchise Expands into Gaming with Keanu Reeves Starring

The billion-dollar action film series, John Wick, is making a highly anticipated leap into the world of video games. At PlayStation's recent "State of Play" showcase, a new title featuring the likeness and voice of its iconic star, Keanu Reeves, was unveiled. Currently known as the "Untitled John Wick Game," this project is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and will involve input from film franchise director Chad Stahelski.

A Glimpse into the Baba Yaga's Past

The trailer revealed at the PlayStation event suggests the game will serve as a prequel to the critically acclaimed film series. This means players will likely delve into the origins of the legendary hitman, exploring the events that shaped him into the formidable figure audiences have come to know and fear. The involvement of both Reeves and Stahelski signals a commitment to capturing the authentic spirit and visceral action that defines the John Wick universe.

Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, expressed his team's honour in collaborating with Stahelski and Reeves. "We are deeply honoured to be working alongside Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the world of Wick to life in a blockbuster game," Karch stated. Saber Interactive promises an original story meticulously crafted for "mature audiences," introducing both familiar faces from the films and compelling new characters. Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, echoed this sentiment, aiming to replicate the "unparalleled action" and "brand-defining fight choreography" that have made the movies a global phenomenon.

Keanu Reeves: A Familiar Face in Gaming

While this marks the first time Keanu Reeves will lend his voice to a John Wick game, it's far from his first foray into interactive entertainment. The Hollywood megastar previously captivated audiences as the enigmatic Johnny Silverhand in the massively successful role-playing game Cyberpunk 2077. His established presence in the gaming sphere only heightens the anticipation for his return as the Baba Yaga.

More from the PlayStation Showcase

The "Untitled John Wick Game" was a highlight of Sony's "State of Play" event, which also featured a slate of other significant announcements and reveals. Attendees were treated to the unveiling of remakes for the beloved God of War trilogy, further cementing PlayStation's commitment to its flagship franchises. Additionally, a 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was announced, offering five versions of the 1995 original, complete with a new documentary and modern accessibility features.

Fans of the Japanese survival horror series Silent Hill also received their first substantial look at Silent Hill: Townfall, a new installment set on "St. Amelia," a fictional island inspired by Scotland. The game is being developed by No Code and published by Annapurna Interactive, promising a fresh take on the psychological horror genre.

Community Reactions and Saber Interactive's Ambitious Pipeline

News of the John Wick game was met with predominantly positive reactions on social media. However, some fans have raised questions regarding the impact of this new project on Saber Interactive's other highly anticipated titles, particularly the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game, Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, commented on the synergy of the John Wick announcement, describing it as a "strong match-up" of genre, intellectual property, and developer. He noted Saber Interactive's structure as a "collection of studios working across multiple IP," suggesting their capacity to deliver "multiple games a year across all different genres."

The John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, continues to expand its multimedia empire. This new video game venture promises to immerse players in the stylish, brutal, and complex world of the ex-hitman, offering an entirely new narrative experience. With Keanu Reeves at the helm, fans can expect a level of authenticity and star power rarely seen in game adaptations. The "Untitled John Wick Game" is poised to become a major title for mature gamers, delivering the signature intensity and intricate combat that has defined the film series.