`John Wick 2` co-director exits to helm `The Coldest City`

Los Angeles: David Leitch has departed the sequel "John Wick 2" as a co-director and will now helm the spy thriller "The Coldest City".

His collaborator Chad Stahelski will remain on board "John Wick 2" as the sole director, reported Entertainment Weekly.

Leitch and Stahelski, who hail from the world of stunt choreography, originally intended to co-direct both the espionage tale and "John Wick 2" but ultimately decided to split directing duties on the two films.

Charlize Theron is attached to star in "The Coldest City" which is written by Kurt Johnstad.

The film is based on Antony Johnston's graphic novel about a spy investigating the death of an undercover MI6 officer in Germany just before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

"John Wick 2", a sequel to the 2014 hit, will feature Keanu Reeves returning as the untouchable assassin.