Just when he thought he was out, they pull him back in. Last we saw of Keanu ReevesJohn Wick, he’d effectively wiped out the shady criminals responsible for killing his puppy and stealing his cool car (and, you know, other shady criminal activities), and then he walked off into the sunset with an adorable new rescue pup — presumably returning to his comfortable early retirement. Not so fast, as the sequel promises to put Wick back to work with a new set of problems, and the first official synopsis sheds more light on what those problems will be.

Thanks to set photos and various interviews, we know that John Wick: Chapter Two will take the formerly-retired hitman to Rome, expanding the mythology of his universe (the Wickiverse?) and introducing us to several new characters — including Reeves’ Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne. But what exactly takes Wick to Rome? And how does that secret group of assassins figure into the sequel? Glad you asked, because Lionsgate has released the official synopsis:

Keanu Reeves returns in the sequel to the 2014 hit as legendary hitman John Wick who is forced to back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world’s deadliest killers.

Stop right there. You had me at “shadowy international assassins’ guild” and “bound by a blood oath.” Just kidding — they actually had me way back at “we’re making a John Wick sequel.”

As promised, the organization of assassins we met at the Continental in the first film will return, as the sequel further explores what was easily one of the coolest parts of John Wick. Not mentioned is his new dog, but set photos have shown Reeves looking very well-dressed alongside a handsome pitbull.

Chad Stahelski takes over directing duties for John Wick: Chapter Two, as his co-director David Leitch heads off to make his solo directorial debut on The Coldest City with Charlize Theron.

Joining Reeves for the sequel are returning cast members Lance Reddick, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo and Bridget Moynahan, while newcomers include Common, Ruby Rose, Laurence Fishburne, Peter Stormare and Thomas Sadoski. John Wick: Chapter Two hits theaters on February 10, 2017.

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