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'John Wick 4:' Donnie Yen Says Goodbye To The Cast Members

Home / News / 'John Wick 4:' Donnie Yen Says Goodbye To The Cast Members

By Favour Adegoke on November 11, 2021 at 12:20 AM PST

Actor Donnie Yen is set to leave the set of "John Wick 4." Yen is known as one of the most successful actors/ filmmakers from the east and has starred in widely popular movies like "xXx: Return of Xander Cage," the "Ip-Man" franchise, "Mulan" and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."

In a recent video uploaded on Instagram, the Kung fu legend announced that he was done with filming "John Wick 4" and would be leaving for home after four months.

Director Chad Stahelski starred Yen alongside Keanu Reeves because he is well-versed in different fighting techniques, which would make him a great fit.

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Yen's Fighting Prowess

Yen is known as one of Hong Kong's top action stars and is credited for using the choreography of most of his films to introduce mixed martial arts (MMA) to Asian Mainstream cinema.

Yen's familiarity with martial arts like Karate, Kickboxing, and Tai Chi made him perfect for his role in the movie.

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A photo showing Donnie Yen sitting in front of a mirror.
Instagram | Donnie Yen 甄子丹
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Since it came into the scene, the "John Wick" franchise has risen to the point of being one of the best action movies in Hollywood. Reeves and the team have aimed to make each installment better and more exciting than the last with each movie.

"John Wick 4" was written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch and produced by Stahelski, Erica Lee, and Basil Iwanyk and had Reeves and Louise Rosner as the executive directors. "We are very lucky to have Donnie Yen join the franchise," Stahelski told Deadline. "I am looking forward to working with him in this exciting new role."

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Iwanyk added, "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."

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Yen Bid Reeves And Co. Goodbye

After four months of filming and being away from home, superstar Yen's time on the "John Wick 4" set is officially over. The "Ip-Man" actor is back in his hometown and took to Instagram to share a video to inform fans.

The Instagram post said, "It's never easy to make a movie. Especially not when you are far away from your family. After four months of 'John Wick 4' we are finally going home. I want to be with Keanu [Reeves] and Chad [Stahelski] thank you for your loving gestures."

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"This trip was a lot of fun, these guys are such down to earth, respectful and passionate filmmakers who strive to make the best movie possible. And I think this one is going to be very special. But what is even more important for me in this experience: I made real friendships. 'John Wick 4' – just a little while longer! "

The video made it obvious to fans that the cast and crew members had a cordial and beautiful relationship. As a token of appreciation, Yen showed some parting gifts he received from Reeves and Stahelski. No doubt, they will miss the actor on set.

'John Wick 4' Is Full Of Big Names

In addition to Yen, several other big names will be cast in the fourth part of the franchise. Actors like Hiroyuki Sanada, who was in "Mortal Kombat," Bill Skarsgård from "IT," Mark Zaror from "Machete Kills," Clancy Brown from "Starship Troopers" and many more are set to appear in the new movie.

Similarly, actors like Ian McShane from "Deadwood," Lance Reddick from "The Guest," and Laurence Fishburne from "The Ice Road" will return for the new installment.

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A black and white themed photo of Donnie Yen in a white suit and black pant.
Instagram | Donnie Yen 甄子丹

Yen's addition was notable, and while there is not much information about his character, given the relationship he has Reeves hinted at in the Instagram video, the chemistry between the actors will shine through.

All We Know About 'John Wick 4'

For now, the producers of "John Wick 4" have remained tight-lipped about what the movie entails and what the characters will be up to. Nevertheless, the production disclosed that the titular character, John Wick, will be in places like New York City, France, Berline, and Japan.

There are some rumors that Yen will play a mysterious character, revealed to have a history with Wick, and share similar views on getting back at their enemies.

Some reports confirmed that the franchise had been renewed for a fifth part, and fans are pleased about this news. Although it is uncertain when "John Wick 5" will premiere, fans are glad that they get to see more of Reeves on their screens.

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