The John Wick franchise has, in addition to Keanu Reeves’ titular character, given fans multiple stellar characters to be nostalgic about. While the latest iteration ended with Wick seemingly dying at the steps of the Basilica of Sacré Coeur, Donnie Yen’s character has recently received a spinoff, which is set to continue the story of Caine.
Yen played a blind assassin in John Wick: Chapter 4, with the spinoff expected to delve into his story following the events of the movie. Regardless, the actor also played an equally memorable role in the 2016-released Rogue One, the first installment of the Star Wars anthology series. The movie saw Yen play another badass blind character in the form of Chirrut Imwe, a warrior who believes in the force, and arguably deserves his own spinoff, just like John Wick’s Caine.
Donnie Yen played the badass blind character in Rogue One
Cherrut Imwe was said to be one of the Guardians of the Whillis, which is a monastic order which dedicated itself to protection of pilgrims who visit a sacred temple on the planet of Jedha. Imwe plays a crucial role in helping the Rebel Alliance stel the Death Star’s plans, which is the ultimate weapon that belongs to the Galactic Empire.
According to Star Wars Net, Yen had initially been reluctant to play the role, as the now 60-year-old thought that he was too old for it. However, Yen ended up putting up a stellar performance instead, and used a uneti-wood staff and handmade lightbow as his choice of weapons.
Yen’s character was voted as the most popular one in Rogue One according to an official poll on the Star Wars website in May 2017, in which more than 50,000 people voted. Hence, not only was Yen a stellar addition to the overall franchise, he also played a character which in itself deserves his arc to continue.
A potential spinoff will thus not only delve into the story of a character that audiences have already fallen in love with. It will also shed light on the Guardians of the Whillis, a faction of warriors who revere the Force in the Star Wars universe.
Donnie Yen’s John Wick spinoff set to continue overall franchise
Not a lot of details about the potential spinoff have been released thus far. The movie is set to continue his story after the events of Chapter 4, at the end of which the character is freed from his obligations to the High Table.
Yen’s character is seen forced to duel John Wick to protect his daughter Mia, and is seen returning to Paris at the end of the movie. However, the post-credits scene also sees Caine being approached by Akira, Shimazu Koji’s daughter.
Akira obviously blames Vaine for her father’s death, although the character in itself can be expected to survive the attack, one way or another. With the screenplay set to be written by Robert Askins, further updates about the project can be expected in due time, with Lionsgate set to begin production sometime next year, in Hong Kong.
