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Facts About John Wick Movies: Since 2024, John Wick has redefined modern action cinema with its sleek choreography, minimalist storytelling, and an unforgettable lead performance by Keanu Reeves. John Wick movies are known for their world-building. The American franchise has grown into a global phenomenon not only because of its high-octane fight sequences but also because its deep, mysterious underground assassin world has its own set of rules. The director, Chad Stahelski, has recently announced that John Wick 5 will feature a new story and will not continue with the High Table. The existing four movies have captivated their audiences in the fascinating and lethal world. However, there are several facts that John Wick’s fans might have missed.

Even if you have watched four movies of the John Wick franchise and have memorised every line in The Continental, there seem to be hidden layers and behind-the-scenes secrets that might surprise you. From the core concept of the gold coin economy in the John Wick universe to John's watch to the markers and Stahelski's favourite book, the John Wick series is packed with fascinating details. Here are some of the killer facts about the John Wick movies that even the most die-hard fans may have missed.

Facts About John Wick Movies You Must Know

Gold Coin Rule

In the John Wick universe, the rule of the gold coin seems to be quite interesting. Everything, from cleaning up a body to a room at The Continental Hotel, costs one gold coin. However, the symbolism and phrases behind the gold coin rule deserve explanation. One side of the coin depicts a shield protecting a robed figure. The Latin phrase says, "Ex Unitae Veris," meaning "unity is strength." Everyone working in the industry provides services that ensure others' safety, secrecy and convenience. The coin's other side has a lion standing in front of the shield with the phrase, "Ens Causa Sui," translating to "being one's own cause," meaning that currency exists out of one's own needs and consequences.

John Wick's Suits Are Grey

Although John Wick's suits certainly look black or dark blue in the movie, according to the costume designer, Lucas Mosca, all his suits are in different shades of grey due to the goal to create a suit for "a man whose heart has been broken." The costume team wanted to use "the lack of colour" to portray this. However, the only time John Wick wears a black suit is in the Rome sequence in John Wick: Chapter 2.

Number Of People John Wick Killed

With his high body count in every single movie, John Wick killed hundreds of people. In the first movie, he kills everyone standing in his way just to get to the one person responsible for his puppy's death (around 77 deaths). In the second one, he completes a marker and then becomes the target himself (around 128 deaths). The third sequel of the series saw John Wick killing his way out of an excommunication (around 94 deaths), and the fourth finds him in his most dangerous mode (around 140 deaths).

Chad Stahelski's Favourite Book

It is hardly a secret that some of the inspiration for John Wick comes from Trevanian's 1979 novel, Shibumi. The book was featured in the first John Wick film during an airport scene. Shibumi is about a multilingual foreigner in Japan becoming one of the most lethal assassins. Reportedly, it was Stahelski's favourite book growing up. Since the release of John Wick, many fans pointed out that Wick's famous pencil kill was inspired by a scene in the Shibumi. 

Charon Ferries In Greek Mythology

Charon was the man who worked at the front desk at Winston's Continental Hotel in John Wick. He was Winston's right-hand man and took care of Wick's dog while the assassin was being chased by the entire mob world. However, he was killed off in John Wick: Chapter 4 as a warning and punishment for the additional one hour Winston gave Wick to run. Throughout the four movies, Charon has developed to be the fans’ favourite character. Interestingly, in Greek mythology, Charon is the figure who ferries souls across the rivers after they're dead. A payment must be made in gold coins. The ferry provides safe passage above dangerous water, which is very similar in idea to what the Continental Hotel does. Charon is literally Charon for the condemned souls in the John Wick world.

The First John Wick Film Was Independently Made

Even fans did not know that the first John Wick film was actually indie-produced. The lack of a major studio didn't stand in the way of the film's success or quality. Be it the expertly choreographed fights or the high-energy soundtrack, John Wick was nothing less than a masterpiece. Reportedly, when Stahelski pitched the project, all six studios passed on the movie. The idea of a man killing 86 men with headshots to avenge his puppy had a negative pickup deal. Keanu Reeves had to finance the film with his own salary.

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