One key cast member is officially returning for the John Wick spinoff movie Caine. The Caine spinoff was originally announced to be in development in May 2024. Donnie Yen will star in and direct the movie. While the John Wick spinoff’s plot is largely under wraps, it is confirmed that the story will take place after the events of John Wick: Chapter 4, after Caine no longer has obligations to the High Table. It will be produced by Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee.

Per Variety, Rina Sawayama is officially returning for Caine. She will reprise her role as Akira. Hyping up this casting, franchise creator Chad Stahelski refers to the actor as a “bada**.” Yen adds that he was “delighted to welcome Rina back” to the series. Check out the full quotes from Stahelski and Yen below:

Chad Stahelski: Rina is such a bada**. I love what she did with this role in Chapter 4 and can’t wait to see her cross paths with Caine once again.

Donnie Yen: Most delighted to welcome Rina back into this new exciting journey with us. It will be my pleasure and attempt to elevate her amazing character that left us mesmerized from John Wick: Chapter 4!

Chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, Adam Fogelson, also comments on Sawayama’s return:

John Wick: Chapter 4 introduced us to so many compelling, original characters, including Akira. We’re beyond thrilled to have Rina coming back to the franchise—Caine and Akira have unfinished business, and this next chapter in their stories will be explosive.

Producer Iwanyk includes:

Rina will be a tremendous addition to this film, and we’re excited to be returning to Caine’s corner of the John Wick Universe as we start production soon.

What This Means For Caine

Akira Was A Fan-Favorite Character

Both Sawayama and Yen were introduced to the action franchise in John Wick: Chapter 4. Sawayama’s Akira is the daughter of character Koji Shimazu, who ran the Continental H๏τel’s Osaka branch. Akira served as the Concierge for this Continental H๏τel location and helped John Wick in his battle against the High Table. While Akira was only in a single John Wick movie, she was a fan favorite character, so her reappearance in the series will be welcome. As teased in a post-credits scene, she will be looking to get revenge on Caine for killing her father.

Sawayama’s return also means that there will be more returning characters to Caine other than just Yen. The full casting information has not yet been revealed for the film, but with Akira coming back as well, it is possible that additional John Wick characters could make appearances in the film. More information will likely be revealed soon, as Iwanyk mentioned that they will “start production soon.”

Our Take On Rina Sawayama’s John Wick Return

This Could Be Big For Sawayama’s Career

Not only is Akira’s return good for John Wick, but Sawayama’s acting career could progress with her casting in Caine. The performer is mainly known as a musical artist, boasting two studio albums. Caine will be only her second feature film after John Wick: Chapter 4. If her performance as Akira continues to be well-received, this could help establish Sawayama as a rising action star, and grant her the potential for further acting roles.

Source: Variety