Rina Sawayama is officially reprising her role in the ‘John Wick’ universe, returning as Shimazu Akira in the upcoming spinoff film ‘Caine.’

Sawayama made her big-screen debut in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023), portraying Akira, the concierge of the Osaka Continental Hotel. Her character is also the daughter of Shimazu Koji, played by Hiroyuki Sanada, who manages the hotel and shares a long-standing friendship with Keanu Reeves’ John Wick.

According to Variety, the new spinoff will again feature Sawayama as Akira. The story will center on Donnie Yen’s character, Caine — a blind assassin and former ally of Wick who is forced out of retirement in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ and compelled to kill Wick to protect his own daughter.

The upcoming film will be directed by Donnie Yen himself, with longtime ‘John Wick’ director Chad Stahelski stepping in as producer. Production is expected to begin later this year.

Stahelski expressed his excitement about Sawayama’s return, stating: “Rina is such a badass. I love what she did with this role in Chapter 4 and can’t wait to see her cross paths with Caine once again.”

Yen shared his comments, adding: “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 mesmerised from John Wick: Chapter 4!”

Meanwhile, another ‘John Wick’ spinoff titled ‘Ballerina’ is set for release on June 6. The film takes place between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, and stars Ana de Armas (‘Blonde,’ ‘No Time To Die,’ ‘Blade Runner 2049’) as an assassin seeking vengeance for her father's murder.

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