Keanu Reeves is set to return as the iconic Baba Yaga in John Wick 5, Lionsgate announced at CinemaCon 2025. The news comes as a surprise to fans, given the character's apparent demise in the previous installment. However, it seems that reports of John Wick's death were greatly exaggerated, and the franchise is far from over.

Longtime John Wick director and producer Chad Stahelski, as well as producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, are attached to the project. According to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group head Adam Fogelson, the team wouldn't have signed on unless they had a "truly phenomenal and fresh" take on the characters and the world they inhabit.

In addition to the live-action film, Lionsgate is also expanding the John Wick universe with an animated prequel starring Reeves. The project, directed by Shannon Tindle (Ultraman: Rising) and written by Vanessa Taylor (Game of Thrones, The Shape of Water), will explore the story of how John Wick completed the "impossible task" – a feat that has become a hallmark of the franchise.

Donnie Yen, who played the blind assassin Caine in John Wick: Chapter 4, has been tapped to star in and direct a live-action spinoff centered around his character. This move marks a significant expansion of the John Wick brand, which has already shown its potential with the upcoming Ballerina film.

The John Wick franchise has been a massive success for Lionsgate, and the studio is clearly committed to milking its potential. With Reeves returning to headline another mainline film, it's clear that Lionsgate intends to keep the story going for as long as possible. The addition of an animated prequel and a solo film starring Donnie Yen will only further enrich the world of John Wick, offering fans a deeper dive into the characters and their backstories.

The news is likely to be met with excitement from fans, who have been eagerly anticipating the next installment of the franchise. With the John Wick brand showing no signs of slowing down, it will be interesting to see how Lionsgate continues to expand and evolve the series in the coming years.

For now, fans can rest assured that Keanu Reeves will be back as John Wick, and that the franchise is in good hands with the return of Stahelski, Iwanyk, and Lee. As the John Wick universe continues to grow, one thing is certain – the Baba Yaga is far from done.