The John Wick franchise is set to draw on its universes origins with a new animated prequel feature.

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson announced Tuesday at CinemaCon that Shannon Tindle is directing an untitled animated movie from a script by VanessaTaylor. Keanu Reeves, who stars as the franchises title hitman, is expected to voice the character, while longtime John Wick producer Chad Stahelski is also behind the project.

The new film will take place prior to the events of the first John Wick movie starring Keanu Reeves that hit theaters in 2014. The new project sees Wick completing the Impossible Task of killing his foes in a single night to fulfill his obligation to the High Table. In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless, Fogelson said. And there is no John Wick story fans are clamoring for more than the Impossible Task. Shannons take on that story is an incredible one, and we are beyond excited to see what John Wick can do in animation.

Producers on the animated film include Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee for Thunder Road, Stahelski for 87Eleven Entertainment and Reeves. Alex Young and Jason Spitz serve as executive producers.

Stahelski added, Ive always been fascinated with anime. It has always been a huge influence on me, especially with the John Wickseries. Tohave the opportunity to develop a John Wick animeseems to be the perfect progression for the John Wick world. I feel John Wick is the perfect property for this medium anime holds the potential to expand our world, our characters, and our action in ways unimaginable before.

The John Wick franchise has collected more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office and is set to release spinoff film Ballerina in theaters this June.

Iwanyk and Lee said in a joint statement, Shannon has a breathtaking vision for a film weve all long wanted to make. Alongside Vanessas story, were hugely excited to bring it to audiences.

CinemaCon is the annual event for exhibitors and Hollywood studios that runs this year from March 31 to April 3. It is presented by Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theater Owners).