It looks as if the fourth chapter in the John Wick franchise is starting to be even more star-laden that the previous outings. After martial-artist Mark Dacascos made such an impression in the third film, it’s interesting to see the performers being lined up for the new film to play-off against Keanu Reeves.
Donnie Yen was announced in the early summer for the role of Caine, an old friend of John Wick’s (though will they be on the same side throughout?). Yen is, of course, one of the East’s major action stars and has made significant impact in western productions such as western hits such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the international success of the IP Man franchise. Scott Adkins recently announced he’ll be joining the ensemble for the next entry as a character called ‘Killa’ – whom we expect to live up to the moniker. Adkins has been making a solid name for himself over a long and notable career, rising through the ranks as one of the early ‘Brit-kickers’ and appearing in major releases such as X-Men-Origins: Wolverine, Zero Dark Thirty, The Expendables 2, Doctor Strange and expanding out the ‘Boyka’ character from the Undisputed into an ongoing franchise.
The latest cast member is none other than Clancy Brown – the acting heavyweight known for such classic varied outings as the Kurgan in the original Highlander, The Shawshank Redemption, Starship Troopers, Emergence and the upcoming Dexter: New Blood… as well as a prolific parallel career in voice-work for diverse animation projects. There’s no news on his character for the John Wick movie and whether it will be hero or villain.
“I have been a fan of Clancy Brown’s since I can remember. To have him be a part of this project is an honor,” said director Chad Stahelski in a statement. “He will make a perfect addition to the World of John Wick!”
Other familiar names and faces in the line-up for the latest sequel include: Hiroyuki Sanada, Rina Sawayama, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, and Ian McShane.
Given that Stahelski’s passion-project is an upcoming reboot of Highlander one can’t help but notice that with Brown’s iconic role in that film and Yen (who appeared in Highlander: Endgame), there’s likely to be be some interesting on-set conversations about cinematic immortality…
