Lionsgate has named the director/stunt master as the creative overseer of its two action franchises across film, TV and all multimedia platforms.
Lionsgate has named director/stunt master Chad Stahelski creative overseer of the John Wick and Highlander franchises across film, TV and all multimedia platforms, according to Variety. He will team with Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee for John Wick properties, and Neal H. Moritz and the estate of the late Peter S. Davis for Highlander. Stahelski also serves as director on the upcoming Highlander reboot; he previously directed all four John Wick films. He is producing both Highlander and the upcoming Wick spinoff film, Ballerina; he previously produced the Wick prequel series The Continental.
The creative’s production company, 87Eleven, will design a, “comprehensive multiplatform content strategy for both franchises” and “guide the short- and long-term creative direction, franchise strategy and strategic growth of these two iconic properties to ensure that quality, tone and vision remain consistent.”
“I am pleased to be able to grow my relationship with Lionsgate in this new oversight role for the ‘John Wick’ universe and its further expansion,” said Stahelski. “‘John Wick’ is so close to my heart and to be able to continue shepherding it will be a blast for me. I’m so happy to also be launching another franchise with ‘Highlander,’ a world that is so rich with engaging stories to be told.”
“This deal expands on the great creative relationship we already have in place on John Wick and extends it to our ‘Highlander’ franchise,” Joe Drake, the outgoing chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and Adam Fogelson, chair of the MPG, said. “From the outset, Chad has been the creative force defining the world of Wick; as we continue to think about the future for that world, we want Chad, working together with Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road, as our stewards guiding us and strategizing together at every step. This deal makes it official, and we look forward to his steady hand and creative input not just on the film he is making, but other stories that arise from it. He is a true visionary, and we are thrilled to have him in our corner.”
A release date for Highlander, starring Henry Cavill, has not been revealed; the Ana de Armas-led Ballerina premieres June 7.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—Laurén brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
