While the John Wick franchise continues to expand with a fifth film, a spin-off series Under The High Table, and an animated prequel, its recent stumble with the Ballerina spin-off suggests a need for fresh directions. Fortunately, Keanu Reeves has a varied selection of projects in the pipeline, many of which look more promising than simply another large-scale beat 'em up.

Beyond the action-packed world, Reeves has been exploring different genres with films like Chantage and Good Fortune, which move away from the guns and neon. He's also slated for a science-fiction project led by Tim Miller, which promises a unique blend of time loops, pirates, and sharks. Additionally, he's involved in The Entertainment System Is Down, an intriguing satirical comedy from Ruben Östlund (Triangle of Sadness) about bored passengers on a long-haul flight. Amidst these diverse ventures, Kill Current has recently been announced, and while it might evoke familiar tropes of Jason Statham or Liam Neeson action thrillers, it adds another dimension to Reeves' portfolio.

From John Wick to Jon Hendricks

Deadline recently reported that The Arena, an independent studio known for developing action franchises inspired by video games and anime, is set to collaborate with Keanu Reeves. The studio has acquired the adaptation rights to Kill Current: A Jon Hendricks Thriller, the debut novel by Oliver Lowe, which is expected to hit American bookshelves in mid-2027.

The film will be based on the first installment of a literary series centered on Jon Hendricks, a disillusioned former CIA agent who is called back into service. His mission: to locate a missing agent he once trained. Deadline hinted at a "vengeance" narrative, suggesting the protégé may have been killed. This setup places the film firmly in the territory of other action stars who frequently portray highly trained former agents from the CIA, special forces, or other top-secret government programs.

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However, the plot promises to expand beyond a simple revenge story, with the narrative unfolding across multiple global locations and delving into the central theme of the planet's scramble for natural resources. In addition to starring as another 'Jon' (without the 'h' this time), Keanu Reeves will also serve as a producer through his company Two Dragonflies, co-founded with Alexandra Grant. As of now, neither a director nor a screenwriter has been announced.

Before Kill Current arrives, fans can look forward to hearing Reeves' voice in Sonic 4, where he will reprise his role as Shadow. The Sega film is scheduled for release on March 24th.