Rina Sawayama Returns As Akira In John Wick Spinoff Caine

Rina Sawayama is officially returning to the John Wick universe as Akira Shimazu in Caine, a new spinoff centered on Donnie Yen’s character. The film, described as a Hong Kong-style action thriller, will follow Akira’s quest to avenge her father’s death, a plot teased in the post-credits scene of John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).

Rina’s Fan-Favorite Assassin is Back

Sawayama made her acting debut in Chapter 4, portraying the daughter of the Osaka Continental’s manager. Despite limited screen time, her performance was widely praised, earning her fan-favorite status. “She had like 10 minutes of screen time and still outshined half the cast,” one fan commented on Hypebae.

Spinoff Expands the John Wick Universe

Caine will begin production later this year in Hong Kong. It’s directed by and stars Yen, with a script by Mattson Tomlin, based on a previous draft by Robert Askins. Producers include Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski. “Rina is such a badass,” Stahelski said. “I love what she did in Chapter 4 and can’t wait to see her cross paths with Caine again.”

The John Wick franchise continues to expand. Alongside Caine, Lionsgate is also developing Ballerina (starring Ana de Armas, out June 6, 2025), an animated film, and John Wick: Chapter 5.

Sawayama, who also contributed to the Chapter 4 soundtrack with the track “Eye for an Eye,” is represented by Paradigm and Wasserman Music. “It will be my pleasure and attempt to elevate her amazing character,” Yen said of her return.