A few days ago, Michael B. Jordan revealed that part of the inspiration for the fights in Creed III came from anime. And it seems that the successful John Wick saga also has a strong base coming from popular Japanese cartoons.

The influence of Japanese cinema on western action films is nothing new; In fact, it is quite common. However, the growth in popularity of anime, in particular, seems to be paying off in films and series that involve melee combat or heavy fighting, such as the Creed and John Wick franchises.

In a recent chat with Total Film (via CBR), titular star Keanu Reeves revealed part of the inspiration behind the successful saga that is about to release its fourth film:

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“Japanese anime and Japanese filmmaking have definitely been something I’ve loved and have been influenced by. And bushido is definitely a theme in our film – you know, the code of the samurai – so, from the outside, it feels like a great fit, the idea of honor and sacrifice. There’s definitely a strong Japanese influence.”

Everything We Know About John Wick: Chapter 4

     Lionsgate/Total Film

The conclusion of 2019’s John Wick: Chapter Three – Parabellum found Reeves’ hitman teaming up with Laurence Fishburne’s “Bowery King” to take on the High Table, a.k.a. the council of crime lords who say what goes (and who dies!) in the criminal underworld. In John Wick: Chapter 4, Reeves’ character uncovers a path to defeating the High Table, but before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe.

In addition to Reeves and Fishburne, some other notable John Wick franchise veterans are returning for this latest entry. Ian McShane will reprise the role of Winston, owner of the Continental Hotel, and Lance Reddick will once again play the Continental’s concierge, Charon.

As for franchise newbies, It and Barbarian actor Bill Skarsgård is portraying a member of the High Table with the suitably highfalutin title of the Marquis de Gramont, while martial arts star Donnie Yen is an old friend of Wick with whom he shares both a history and many of the same enemies. The cast also includes Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Rina Sawayama, and Scott Adkins.

John Wick: Chapter 4 arrives in theaters on Mar. 24.