Chinese actor Donnie Yen will join Keanu Reeves in the upcoming John Wick 4 according to a report from Deadline.
Yen will reportedly play an old friend of Wick in the film; no other details are yet available about the character. Yen himself is one of China’s most popular action stars. He’s best known for his four-film Ip Man series, which tells the semi-fictional life story of real-life Wing Chun practitioner Ip Man. Yen has logged some time stateside, as well, most notably as blind martial artist Chirrut Imwe in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Yen also appeared in xXx: Return of Xander Cage.
“We are very lucky to have Donnie Yen join the franchise,” said director Chad Stahelski in an official statement. “I am looking forward to working with him in this exciting new role.”
“Donnie Yen will bring a vibrant and powerful energy to the franchise. We were determined to bring him on board to John Wick 4 and are thrilled for the opportunity to have such a major talent to collaborate with Keanu,” said producer Basil Iwanyk.
In addition to Yen and Reeves, Stahelski recently tapped Japanese-British pop star and actress Rina Sawayama for a role in the film. Stahelski is directing in addition to producing. Shay Hatten and Michael Finch are taking over writing duties from series writer Derek Kolstad for the film. John Wick 4 is currently set to release on May 27, 2022.
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