Keanu Reeves will be back as the assassin John Wick in Lionsgate's "John Wick 2" and joining him in the cast list are Ian McShane who will be reprising his role from the first film and Common who will be the one of the sequel's main antagonists, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed.
McShane is set to return as Winston, the mysterious and enigmatic owner of The Continental, the boutique hotel for assassins. McShane, who is fond of modern noir films, decided to take the role of Winston because the actor was curious on the possibilities of the character.
Also joining the cast of "John Wick 2" is Common, who will be the film's chief villain. THR describes Common's role as a "head of security for a female crime lord."
McShane is confirmed to be joining the cast of "Game of Thrones Season 6," for a role that is still under the wraps. He also appeared as Ray Donovan in the most recent season of "Showtime." Rapper turned actor Common, on the other hand, is set to join Jared Leto and Will Smith in "Suicide Squad," where he will take on the role of Tattooed Man. Common also appeared in "Run All Night" with Liam Neeson and in "Entourage."
Chad Stahelski and David Leitch have previously directed "John Wick" but only Stahelski will be taking the helm for "John Wick 2" as Leitch is preparing to direct the spy thriller "Coldest City" starring Charlize Theron and James McAvoy. Basil Iwanyk will be producing the sequel.
"John Wick" had seen Reeves as a retired hitman who sought vengeance for the brutal theft of his vintage car and the killing of his puppy, a gift from his deceased wife. The film, who had a budget of only $20 million, grossed nearly $80 million at the box office plus earnings of $20 million for home video sales.
"John Wick 2" starts filming this week.
