The John Wick franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its adrenaline-fueled action sequences, intricate world-building, and the enigmatic titular character. Played by Keanu Reeves, John Wick is a retired hitman who finds himself drawn back into the world of high-stakes assassinations. However, despite his notoriety as a deadly killer, little is known about John Wick’s life before he became an assassin. In this article, we’ll delve into the mysteries surrounding John Wick’s past, exploring the hints and clues provided throughout the franchise.
The Origins of John Wick
To understand what John Wick was before an assassin, it’s essential to examine the events that led him to become a hitman. The first film, released in 2014, introduces us to John Wick, a retired assassin who has lost his wife, Helen, to an illness. The couple had a dog, Daisy, which was a gift from Helen to help John cope with his grief. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when a group of thugs, led by Iosef Tarasov, break into John’s home, kill Daisy, and steal his vintage Mustang.
This event sets John Wick on a path of revenge, forcing him to confront his past and the world he thought he had left behind. As the franchise progresses, we learn more about John Wick’s life before he became an assassin, including his relationships, skills, and the events that shaped him into the person he is today.
John Wick’s Early Life
According to the John Wick: Year of the Knife comic book series, which serves as a prequel to the films, John Wick was born in 1964 in Belarus. His early life is marked by hardship and violence, with his parents being killed in a home invasion when he was just a child. This traumatic event sets John Wick on a path of self-discovery and survival, leading him to develop the skills that would eventually make him a formidable assassin.
The comic book series also explores John Wick’s relationship with his mentor, Marcus, who teaches him the ways of combat and helps him develop his skills as a hitman. This mentorship plays a significant role in shaping John Wick’s future, as he becomes a skilled assassin and eventually joins the High Table, a council of high-ranking crime lords who govern the world of assassins.
The High Table and the Continental
The High Table and the Continental Hotel are central to the John Wick franchise, providing a glimpse into the world of assassins and the rules that govern it. The High Table is a council of crime lords who oversee the world of assassins, setting rules and regulations to maintain order and prevent chaos. The Continental Hotel, on the other hand, is a sanctuary for assassins, providing a safe haven where they can rest, recover, and conduct business.
John Wick’s relationship with the High Table and the Continental is complex, with him being a respected member of the community. However, his decision to retire and leave the world of assassinations behind creates tension, leading to a series of events that ultimately force him back into the game.
John Wick’s Skills and Training
John Wick’s skills as an assassin are unparalleled, with him being one of the most feared hitmen in the world. His training and expertise are rooted in his early life, where he developed skills in hand-to-hand combat, marksmanship, and tactical strategy.
The John Wick franchise showcases John Wick’s skills in various action sequences, from the iconic hotel fight in the first film to the adrenaline-fueled motorcycle chase in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. These sequences demonstrate John Wick’s proficiency in combat, as well as his ability to think on his feet and adapt to new situations.
John Wick’s Use of Guns and Blades
John Wick is known for his expertise with guns and blades, often using these tools to take down his enemies. The franchise showcases his skills with various firearms, from handguns to rifles, as well as his proficiency with knives and swords.
In John Wick: Chapter 2, we see John Wick using a variety of guns, including a Glock 34 and a Benelli M4 shotgun. He also uses a knife to take down several enemies, showcasing his skills in close combat. In John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, we see John Wick using a variety of blades, including a sword and a knife, to take down his enemies.
John Wick’s Physical Conditioning
John Wick’s physical conditioning is also a key aspect of his skills as an assassin. The franchise showcases his endurance, strength, and agility, as he takes down multiple enemies in intense action sequences.
Keanu Reeves, the actor who plays John Wick, has spoken about the physical demands of the role, stating that he had to undergo extensive training to prepare for the film’s action sequences. This training included martial arts, gun training, and physical conditioning, all of which helped him develop the skills and physique needed to play John Wick.
John Wick’s Relationships
John Wick’s relationships are a crucial aspect of his character, providing insight into his past and his motivations. The franchise explores his relationships with various characters, including his wife, Helen, his dog, Daisy, and his mentor, Marcus.
John Wick’s Relationship with Helen
John Wick’s relationship with Helen is a central aspect of the franchise, providing insight into his past and his motivations. The two met while John Wick was still working as an assassin, and they fell deeply in love. Helen’s death serves as a catalyst for the events of the first film, forcing John Wick to confront his past and the world he thought he had left behind.
The franchise explores John Wick’s grief and guilt over Helen’s death, showcasing his emotional vulnerability and his deep love for her. This relationship serves as a reminder of John Wick’s humanity, highlighting the emotional toll of his profession and the sacrifices he has made.
John Wick’s Relationship with Daisy
John Wick’s relationship with Daisy is also an important aspect of the franchise, providing insight into his emotional vulnerability and his capacity for love. The dog was a gift from Helen, and John Wick forms a deep bond with her, seeing her as a reminder of his wife and a symbol of hope.
The death of Daisy serves as a catalyst for the events of the first film, forcing John Wick to confront his past and the world he thought he had left behind. This event showcases John Wick’s emotional vulnerability, highlighting the deep love and affection he has for those around him.
Conclusion
John Wick’s past is a complex and multifaceted aspect of his character, providing insight into his motivations and his skills as an assassin. Through the franchise, we learn about his early life, his relationships, and his training, all of which shape him into the person he is today.
While we may never know everything about John Wick’s past, the franchise provides a glimpse into his world, showcasing his skills, his relationships, and his emotional vulnerability. As the franchise continues to evolve, we can expect to learn more about John Wick’s past, exploring the events that shaped him into the deadly assassin we know today.
| John Wick Film | Release Year | Director |
|---|---|---|
| John Wick | 2014 | Chad Stahelski and David Leitch |
| John Wick: Chapter 2 | 2017 | Chad Stahelski |
| John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum | 2019 | Chad Stahelski |
| John Wick: Chapter 4 | 2023 | Chad Stahelski |
The John Wick franchise is a testament to the power of storytelling, showcasing a complex and multifaceted character in a world of high-stakes assassinations. As the franchise continues to evolve, we can expect to learn more about John Wick’s past, exploring the events that shaped him into the deadly assassin we know today.
What was John Wick’s life like before becoming an assassin?
Before becoming an assassin, John Wick’s life was shrouded in mystery. However, it is revealed throughout the series that he was once a retired hitman who had managed to leave his violent past behind. He had found love and was living a peaceful life with his wife, Helen. The couple had a dog, a Beagle named Daisy, which was a gift from his wife to help him cope with his grief after her passing.
John Wick’s life before becoming an assassin was marked by his desire to leave his violent past behind and start anew. He had found solace in his life with Helen and was determined to make a change. However, after her passing, he was pulled back into the world of high-stakes assassins, and his life took a drastic turn. The events that unfolded led him to become the legendary hitman known as John Wick.
Was John Wick a member of a secret society of assassins?
Yes, John Wick was a member of a secret society of assassins known as the High Table. The High Table is a council of high-ranking crime lords who govern the world of assassins. They are responsible for setting the rules and maintaining order within the world of high-stakes assassins. John Wick’s membership in the High Table played a significant role in his life as an assassin and had a profound impact on the events that unfolded throughout the series.
As a member of the High Table, John Wick was bound by a set of rules and codes that governed the behavior of assassins. He was also privy to the inner workings of the organization and had access to its resources and network. However, his membership in the High Table also made him a target for other assassins and crime lords, leading to a life of constant danger and violence.
What motivated John Wick to become an assassin?
John Wick’s motivation for becoming an assassin is not explicitly stated in the series. However, it is implied that he was driven by a desire for revenge and a need to cope with his grief. After the death of his wife, John Wick was pulled back into the world of high-stakes assassins, and his desire for revenge against those who had wronged him became a driving force in his life.
John Wick’s backstory also suggests that he may have been motivated by a sense of loyalty and duty. As a member of the High Table, he was bound by a set of rules and codes that governed the behavior of assassins. His actions were also motivated by a desire to protect those he cared about and to uphold the rules of the organization. However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that John Wick’s motivations are complex and multifaceted, driven by a combination of emotions and circumstances.
Did John Wick have any formal training as an assassin?
Yes, John Wick received formal training as an assassin. As a member of the High Table, he had access to the organization’s resources and network, including its training programs. The series suggests that John Wick underwent rigorous training, which included instruction in combat, tactics, and strategy.
John Wick’s training as an assassin also included instruction in the use of firearms, hand-to-hand combat, and other skills necessary for his line of work. His training was overseen by the High Table, which ensured that he was equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out his duties as an assassin. However, it is also clear that John Wick’s skills and abilities were honed through experience and practice, rather than just formal training.
Was John Wick a lone wolf or did he work with a team?
John Wick often worked alone, but he also had a network of allies and associates who assisted him in his work. As a member of the High Table, he had access to the organization’s resources and network, which included other assassins and crime lords. He also formed alliances with other characters, including Winston and Charon, who became close friends and confidants.
However, John Wick’s work as an assassin often required him to work alone, using his skills and resources to carry out his objectives. He was a skilled operative who was capable of working independently, and he often preferred to work alone rather than as part of a team. This allowed him to maintain control and flexibility, which were essential for his line of work.
How did John Wick’s past as an assassin impact his life?
John Wick’s past as an assassin had a profound impact on his life. His experiences as a hitman left him with physical and emotional scars, and he struggled to leave his violent past behind. The series suggests that John Wick’s past continued to haunt him, and he was often forced to confront the consequences of his actions.
John Wick’s past also made it difficult for him to form relationships or maintain a sense of normalcy in his life. He was constantly looking over his shoulder, aware that his past could catch up with him at any moment. This made it difficult for him to trust others or form close relationships, and he often found himself isolated and alone. However, despite these challenges, John Wick remained determined to leave his past behind and start anew.
Can John Wick ever truly leave his life as an assassin behind?
It is unclear whether John Wick can ever truly leave his life as an assassin behind. The series suggests that his past will always be a part of him, and that he will always be haunted by the consequences of his actions. However, John Wick remains determined to leave his violent past behind and start anew.
Throughout the series, John Wick faces numerous challenges and obstacles as he tries to leave his life as an assassin behind. He is forced to confront his past and the consequences of his actions, and he must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries. However, despite these challenges, John Wick remains determined to create a new life for himself, one that is free from the violence and danger of his past.