‘John Wick 2’ in the works with Keanu Reeves, co-directors returning

Keanu Reeves will be back in action with co-directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski for “John Wick 2,” a sequel to their bloody 2014 revenge thriller, Lionsgate announced Monday.

The studio did not reveal plot details or a release date for “2,” but the film will no doubt continue the exploits of Reeves’ titular character, a hyper-lethal ex-assassin set on a path of vengeance when his car is stolen and his puppy is killed.

“John Wick” screenwriter Derek Kolstad is also returning.

Reeves first became acquainted with Leitch and Stahelski — two veteran stunt performers and choregraphers — while working on the “Matrix” movies, and “John Wick” marked the duo’s directing debut. (Technically, Leitch was uncredited due to guild regulations.)

Released in October on Lionsgate’s Summit label, the film scored excellent reviews, with many critics hailing it as a return to form for Reeves as an action star. “John Wick” also grossed $78 million at the worldwide box office, on a modest $20-million production budget.

Jason Constantine, Lionsgate’s president of acquisitions and co-productions, said in a statement, “We knew that there was still so much more of this story to tell.”

Lionsgate will be selling international distribution rights to “John Wick 2” at the Cannes Film Market.

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