Top 20 Hidden Details You Didn't Know About John Wick

John Wick franchise (2014-)

Hard to believe that the 2014 blockbuster that took the world by storm was made on a tight budget, right? But the first John Wick film only cost about $20-30 million - a modest sum for an action flick. So how did they pull it off? Creativity and resourcefulness. Co-directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch - both experienced stunt coordinators worked magic with a tight stunt team. Instead of spending on extras, these stuntmen were re-used multiple times. Thanks to clever direction, long takes, and slick camera work that keep your eyes glued on Baba Yaga, you barely notice. With fast-paced chaos featuring masked henchmen, its also easy to miss that Johns fighting the same people twice. Even in the fourth chapter, stuntmen had to die more than once.

John Wick (2014)

While most people are dumb enough to go against the Reaper-in-a-suit, one mans smart enough not to - and thats Francis. Besides being played by former pro wrestler Kevin Nash, thats another interesting detail that makes this bouncer so memorable. You know the story: Viggos son kills Johns dog and all hell breaks loose. When Wick storms the Red Circle club to kill losef, John catches Francis off-guard, pulling a gun on him. Instead of shooting, John compliments his weight, which - according to Nash himself - was a subtle code asking how many guards are inside. Francis answers the question and walks away alive. Smart move. Bet you thought John spared him because he didnt see a reason to kill him - nope. He lived because he cooperated.

John Wick (2014)

Sometimes, a blink-and-youll-miss-it detail can foreshadow an entire movie and John Wick sneaks in a great one. During the first part of the movie, John drives towards an airport runway and stops at a security checkpoint. A security guard gives him a knowing look and lets him through. If you pause, youll see hes holding a book titled Shibumi by Trevanian. Not only is it reportedly one of Stahelskis favorite books; it also sets the tone for whats to come. Its about a retired assassin dragged back into the game. Sound familiar? Fans of the book might even catch a deeper link: the books protagonist once used a pencil as a deadly weapon. Ring a bell? So yeah, that little paperback isnt as random as it looks.

John Wick franchise (2014-)

If youve watched the John Wick movies, youve probably noticed something odd. The police never really go after John or meddle in the underworlds bloody affairs. These killers tend to handle things on their own. Remember the scene where a cop shows up at Johns house after he takes out a team of assassins? Spotting a dead body, Jimmy doesnt bat an eyelid. He simply asks him cordially about work and leaves him to carry on. In a chat, the directors revealed theres an unspoken understanding between the underworld community and law enforcement. As long as theyre not harming innocent citizens, the cops don't interfere. Or perhaps due to the sheer power of the network, the police either fears or respects them.

John Wick franchise (2014-)

Long before John started racking up headshots, Keanu Reeves was dodging bullets as Neo in The Matrix. But the connection between these iconic movies goes beyond the leading man. Stahelski was actually Reeves stunt double in The Matrix, but most of us probably know that. However, the ties dont end there. John Wick borrows some memorable quotes and even brings back Morpheus - yep, thats Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King! Another clever nod? Soon after they meet, the Bowery King opens a locker containing red and blue items - and picks the red one.The Matrix fans will totally get it. These arent the only times that made the John Wick franchise feel more and more like an extended part of The Matrix universe though; stay tuned for another Neo reference soon.

John Wick franchise (2014-)

John isnt just the man you send after the Boogeyman, hes also the sharpest-dressed assassin. While the films moody lighting might fool you into thinking hes always in black, most of his suits are actually dark shades of grey. Costume designer Luca Mosca, who cameos in Chapter 2, revealed that John always dons a dark grey suit except on rare occasions, like the Rome sequence. While it may look like hes dressed for the Met Gala, Johns wardrobe carries deeper meaning. The look isnt just inspired by his Glocks sleek nature, it symbolizes a man always in mourning, unlike characters like Viggo who boldly wears red shirts. Stylish as they are, Johns suits are also built for combat. It appears every detail is planned.

John Wick franchise (2014-)

After wiping out the hit squad sent to kill him, John makes a dinner reservation, which is code for a cleanup crew. When they show up, he pays them in gold coins. Seems like a lot for just cleaning up, right? Well, in John Wicks secret world, gold coins arent your typical cash, neither are they valued by weight. Theyre more like a professional bond or an agreement sealed by honor. So, a couple of coins can get you a drink or a custom weapon for a big job. Its not about the item; its about the code. For someone like John, who has tons to trade for secrecy and top-tier services, its a clear sign hes a major player in this deadly world.

John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum (2019)

In this chapter, Johns on the run for breaking a golden rule: killing on Continental grounds. Now ex-communicado, John travels deep into the desert to meet the Elder, the only man who can wipe his slate clean. But forgiveness comes at a price. To prove his loyalty, John chops off his finger, the same one holding his wedding ring. Its brutal but symbolic. But he isnt the only one missing a finger. When the Harbinger, played by Clancy Brown, shows up at the New York Continental Hotel, you can see he has just four fingers. Coincidence? Not likely. He may have at one point crossed the High Table too and had to prove his loyalty in the most painful way.

John Wick franchise (2014-)

When youre a renowned hitman like John Wick, leaving a trail of bodies is simply part of the job. At the start, Johns just a grieving widower living with his dog - that is, until a group of thugs awaken the sleeping giant. From there, its all-out chaos. Several sources have calculated that John goes from killing 77 people in the first film, 128 in the second, to dropping 94 in Chapter 3. In the fourth film? A jaw-dropping 140. Whoa! Thats over 400 kills: more than enough to make villains and even other action heroes jealous. Who knows how many more will fall to the guy-you-dont-mess-with in future installments? Well, Johns not called the Baba Yaga for nothing.

John Wick franchise (2014-)

John Wicks underworld has two strict rules: no killing on Continental grounds and markers must always be honored. Winston reminds John of this when he hesitates to take out Santinos sister. Later, in Chapter 3 when Johns being hunted, he calls in a favor from Sofia using this special object. What then do these markers mean? Theyre no ordinary pieces of metal, but a blood oath that binds two individuals in an agreement. If you owe someone a debt, the marker seals that pact. Break that oath? You might as well dig your grave. In a 2023 interview, Stahelski revealed that the idea was inspired by real-life military challenge coins and basically acts as a blank check. Give it away and youre handing over your life.

John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum (2019)

While trying to get as much done as possible during his hour grace period before a bounty on his head becomes active, John Wick finds himself at the New York Public Library. He picks up a book of Russian fairy tales by Alexander Afanesyev, some of which feature the Baba Yaga. Soon he encounters Ernest, a very tall assassin looking to collect the bounty on Wick. After a brief fight, Wick is able to dispatch him. Ernest is played by NBA big man Boban Marjanovi whos also appeared in a few other films, TV shows and commercials. Perhaps he would have been more successful against Wick if they played some 1 v 1 on the court.

John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum (2019)

In order to punish John Wick for breaking the rules at the Continental, an Adjudicator seeks out Zero. Faced with the prospect of taking out Wick, Zero happily agrees to be of service. Its not by coincidence that when the Adjudicator approaches him, Zero is working as a sushi chef. The character is played by actor Mark Dascascos. Dacascos portrayed the Chairman in the cooking show Iron Chef America. Its a neat little callout to the classic show and now were wondering how things would have played out if Zero and Wick battled it out in the kitchen instead.

John Wick (2014)

Once Viggo Tarasov realizes that John Wick will be coming for revenge, he tries a diplomatic approach. He calls Wick up and asks if they can talk it out. When that doesnt work, he resorts to sending a crew to take out Wick. John readies himself for an influx of enemies by first taking a shower. Here we see a tattoo across his back with the Latin phrase, fortis fortuna adiuvat. Without getting into a whole etymology course, it roughly translates to fortune favors the bold or fortune will help those who are strong. Given the amount of damage someone like John Wick can do, fortune is definitely by his side.

John Wick (2014)

Following an attack in own home, John Wick wakes to find his car stolen by his assailants. Wick sets out to find answers and pays mechanic shop owner Aurelio a visit. There he learns Iosef Tarasov is the person responsible for the automotive theft. Following their conversation, Wick simply asks Aurelio to provide him with a car. However, at the beginning of their talk, Aurelio pours Wick a drink. Looking closely at the bottle, its label reads, Peligroso. Translated from Spanish, it can mean dangerous. Its a nice little bit of foreshadowing of who John Wick is.

John Wick franchise (2014-)

When John Wick pulls up to the Continental Hotel, hes met by Charon at the front desk. There Wick gives him a gold coin and we later see Wick paying for services provided by others with more coins. In fact when Wick digs up his weapons cache in his basement, he has several guns and a bunch of coins. Whats interesting to note here, is that Charon is a character in ancient Greek mythology who would shepherd souls across the rivers Styx and Acheron and payment would be done with gold coins. Throughout the series, Wick has sent many souls to the underworld, all paid for in gold.

John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum (2019)

When Winston refuses to step down as manager of the New York Continental Hotel, John Wick is sent to kill him. As the two men come face to face and exchange words, Wick decides he will not kill Winston. Since they refuse to comply, the Adjudicator has the status of the Continental changed to one that is deconsecrated, meaning that the hotel is no longer neutral. Agents of the High Table will soon arrive to remove their souls. In order to fight them off, Wick is gonna need guns, lots of guns. This line, while cool, is a direct quote from Neo in The Matrix when he and Trinity go to rescue Morpheus, consequently played by Laurence Fishburne who also appears in the John Wick franchise.

John Wick (2014)

Theres only one man who can kill the Boogeyman and thats John Wick. This fact is especially troubling if you just ended Wicks puppys life and stole his car. Antagonist of the film, Viggo Tarasov, comes to learn thats exactly what his son, Iosef, has done. Viggo reveals that Wick was known as Baba Yaga. In Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga is generally depicted as an elderly woman but one who can punish those who do wrong by others. Viggo knows what Wick is capable of, despite Iosefs claims of being able to set things right. Baba Yaga also collects souls and Wick is coming to do just that.

John Wick (2014)

John Wick is a bit of a mystery. We dont know too much about his background. We know hes a prolific assassin, the aforementioned Baba Yaga. We also know that hes someone you definitely do not want to upset or he might just be the last person you ever see. While more of his back story is revealed in a line of comics from Dynamite and sequel movies, a bit of a clue to his tactical background is given to the audience during the first film. If you pay close attention to his wrist, youll notice hes wearing a watch but its facing downwards. This is a tactic commonly used by combat soldiers to prevent light reflecting off the dial and giving away ones position.

John Wick franchise (2014-)

It should come as no surprise that John Wick overcomes his enemies by movies end. What may be surprising, however, are similar parting words offered to John once someone has met their end. After Viggo Tarasov is defeated, he says to John that hell be seeing him soon. Similarly, after John takes down Ares, Santino DAntonios security enforcer, she signs that shell see him soon as well. When Wick overcomes Zero, he says theyll catch up. What differs are Johns responses in each situation. Over the course of the series, it seems Johns position changes on whether or not hell encounter these foes again.

John Wick franchise (2014-)

Time is relative. Even though years go by between film releases of each installment of the John Wick franchise, the same cant be said for the passage of time in terms of the actual story. If it seems like it was just yesterday that Wick was out getting revenge for what was done to his dog, youd be right. The first three films span about a week. Its actually crazy to think that an individual such as John Wick has been able to do all the things hes done, not to mention all the places hes traveled in such a short amount of time. If it were us, we would have passed out a long time ago.

What other hidden details have you discovered in the John Wick movies? Let us know in the comment section.