kEY POINT
- The John Wick game starring Keanu Reeves was revealed at PlayStation’s State of Play event.
- The project is being developed by Saber Interactive with involvement from Chad Stahelski.
- The game is expected to serve as a prequel to the film franchise and target mature audiences.
LOS ANGELES — The upcoming John Wick game starring Keanu Reeves was officially unveiled Thursday during PlayStation’s “State of Play” showcase, marking the first time the billion dollar film franchise will be adapted into a major AAA video game featuring the actor’s likeness and voice.
The announcement of the John Wick game starring Keanu Reeves signals a major expansion of one of Hollywood’s most commercially successful action franchises into interactive entertainment.
The title, currently referred to as “Untitled John Wick Game,” will feature the voice and digital likeness of Keanu Reeves, bringing the character into gaming in a way not previously attempted.
The reveal came during PlayStation’s widely watched digital presentation, positioning the project among other high-profile franchise revivals and anniversary editions showcased at the event.
The John Wick franchise has generated more than $1 billion in global box office revenue since its debut in 2014. The films follow retired assassin John Wick as he is drawn back into the criminal underworld in a series defined by stylized action sequences and tightly choreographed fight scenes.
While the character has appeared in gaming crossovers before, this marks the first standalone AAA title centered fully on the franchise and performed by Reeves himself.
Development is being led by Saber Interactive, known for its work on major licensed properties.
According to Matthew Karch, chief executive of Saber Interactive, the studio is collaborating closely with director Chad Stahelski and Reeves to preserve the cinematic identity of the franchise.
“We are honored to work alongside Chad and Keanu to bring the world of Wick to life in a AAA game,” Karch said during the showcase presentation.
Stahelski’s involvement suggests continuity with the tone and choreography that defined the films. The studio has said the story will be original and designed for mature audiences, incorporating both established characters and new figures within the franchise universe.
The John Wick game starring Keanu Reeves arrives at a time when major entertainment franchises are increasingly crossing between film and interactive media.
Direct actor participation has become a significant differentiator in licensed games, enhancing authenticity and marketing reach.
Reeves has prior experience in gaming performance, having portrayed Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077.His performance in that title demonstrated the commercial value of celebrity-driven voice and motion capture integration in blockbuster releases.
Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the studio behind the films, said the goal is to translate the “unparalleled action” and “brand defining fight choreography” of the movies into interactive form. She said the adaptation aims to maintain the intensity and physicality that define the franchise.
Christopher Dring, editor in chief and co-founder of The Game Business, described the pairing of the franchise and developer as a strong alignment of genre and intellectual property.
“This feels like a natural match up,” Dring said. “You have a developer experienced in action design and a property that is globally recognized for its combat style.”
Industry analysts note that film based games historically faced skepticism due to rushed development cycles.
However, modern AAA production timelines, combined with active involvement from original creators, have shifted perceptions around franchise adaptations.
Matthew Karch emphasized the studio’s intent to respect the franchise’s tone and world building.
“Our focus is authenticity,” Karch said. “Fans expect the intensity and tactical precision that define John Wick.”Jenefer Brown said the adaptation will prioritize cinematic choreography translated into gameplay mechanics.
“The fighting style is central to the brand,” Brown said. “Capturing that experience interactively is key.”Christopher Dring added that celebrity participation can influence consumer confidence in licensed games.
“When audiences know the original actor is involved, it adds credibility,” Dring said.No release date was announced for the John Wick game starring Keanu Reeves, and platform details remain limited to PlayStation’s showcase reveal.
Development timelines for comparable AAA titles often extend several years, particularly when advanced motion capture and performance work are involved.The project may also expand the franchise narrative through its reported prequel setting, potentially filling timeline gaps not explored in the films.
The unveiling of the John Wick game starring Keanu Reeves represents a significant step in the franchise’s evolution beyond cinema.
By combining actor involvement, direct creative oversight and AAA production standards, the project reflects broader shifts in how global entertainment properties expand into interactive media while maintaining brand continuity.
