The John Wick spin-off featuring Caine will mark the return of Rina Sawayama's character, Akira.

      With the expansion of the John Wick franchise through several new projects, Donnie Yen’s forthcoming spin-off centering on his blind assassin character Caine will feature another familiar face from John Wick: Chapter 4. Singer and actress Rina Sawayama is set to return in her role as Shimazu Akira for the new film.

      In John Wick: Chapter 4, Sawayama portrayed Rina, the daughter of Hiroyuki Sanada’s character Shimazu Koji, the manager of the Osaka Continental and an old friend of John. Following Koji’s offer of assistance to John during his struggle against the High Table, he was killed by Caine in a duel witnessed by Akira, who then swore to avenge him. The post-credits scene of Chapter 4 hinted at Akira fulfilling her vow, as it showed her stealthily approaching Caine with a knife.

      Details regarding the currently untitled Caine spin-off remain scarce, though Lionsgate has labeled it a “Hong Kong-style action thriller.” In addition to starring in the film, Yen will also produce and direct, marking his directorial debut from a script by Mattson Tomlin, known for The Batman Part II and BRZRKR, which is based on an earlier draft by Robert Askins.

      “Rina is such a badass,” stated Chad Stahelski, creator and director of John Wick. “I loved her performance in Chapter 4 and can’t wait to see her character interact with Caine again.”

      Yen expressed his excitement as well, saying, “I’m most delighted to have Rina join us on this new exciting journey. It’s my pleasure to try to elevate her incredible character that captivated us in John Wick: Chapter 4!”

      Stahelski will produce through 87Eleven Entertainment, alongside franchise producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road.

      This announcement arrives as Lionsgate's first feature film spin-off, Ballerina: From The World of John Wick, is set to premiere in theaters next month. Alongside the upcoming Ana de Armas film, Keanu Reeves has also been confirmed to return as John Wick in both an animated prequel and John Wick: Chapter 5, seemingly resurrecting him.

      Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more movie news and nerd discussions.