Movies

Uncover Hidden Gems:10 Secrets You Missed in the Original ‘John Wick’

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Known for Keanu Reeves portrayal, John Wick is undeniably one of the most iconic action heroes in the 2010s and beyond, earning a status comparable to that of McClane from Die Hard and the T-800 from The Terminator series within Hollywood. In his cinematic world, John Wick is a legendary hitman who seeks tranquility after leaving behind his violent past. However, this quiet life is shattered when his beloved dog is wrongfully killed in 2014’s John Wick. This event sets the stage for the former assassin to embark on a relentless quest of vengeance against the Russian mobsters responsible for the injustice he suffered.

2014’s “John Wick” proved to be a surprising blockbuster, earning $86 million globally. The film’s success rejuvenated the action genre and spawned a series, encompassing four films so far, with a spin-off titled “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” on the horizon. By now, most people are familiar with the character, John Wick. However, what you may not realize is that the original film includes subtle Easter eggs hidden throughout. These pop culture references are as covert as John Wick himself. Here are 10 Easter eggs from the first “John Wick” movie that you might have overlooked.

10
The Director Was Keanu’s Stunt Double in the Matrix Franchise

In a more playful context, it might be said that the fact that Chad Stahelski directed 2014’s “John Wick” could be seen as a trivia point rather than an Easter egg. Interestingly enough, this wasn’t Stahelski’s first collaboration with Keanu Reeves. In fact, they previously worked together on the legendary “Matrix” series, where Stahelski served as Reeves’ stunt double.

It might have seemed unimaginable fifteen years on that the stunt double would be at the helm, guiding Keanu in one of the action blockbusters of the decade. Interestingly, for the movie “John Wick,” it was not Keanu who required the stuntman skills of Stahelski; instead, he seems to have drawn on his inner Tom Cruise and handled most of the stunts personally.

9
John Wick Is Named After the Writer’s Grandpa

Derek Kolstad developed the idea for the movie John Wick following difficulties in getting another screenplay sold. His work was inspired by a few of his favorite films such as Miller’s Crossing, Die Hard, Predator, and revenge movies along with westerns. Additionally, he based the character of the hitman on two renowned actors, Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood.

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, it’s fascinating to uncover the origins of the iconic character name. Contrary to popular belief, the moniker didn’t stem from some grandiose or well-known reference. Instead, it was lovingly bestowed in honor of the filmmaker’s elderly grandfather, John Wick – a heartwarming homage that adds an extra layer of depth to the character. Truly, it’s a cool tribute that underscores the personal touch behind this cinematic masterpiece.

8
Charon Is the Name of a Greek God

In the entirety of the John Wick series, Lance Reddick portrays Charon, who is the hotel manager at the infamous assassin’s establishment, The Continental. Interestingly, his name seems to have been deliberately picked.

In Greek folklore, Charon serves as the boatman navigating the underworld, transporting spirits to the realm of the deceased. He requires payment in coins to guarantee a secure transition from one world to another. In the movie, John Wick symbolically offers Charon a gold coin, essentially securing a safe journey through the hotel.

7
“Be Seeing You” Phrase Alludes to ‘The Prisoner’ (1967)

Initially, it might not be apparent that the 2014 movie John Wick shares many similarities with the 1967 British TV series The Prisoner. One story revolves around a hitman engaged in a violent pursuit of vengeance, whereas the other follows an abducted British intelligence officer living in a secretive coastal town. However, they share a unique similarity: their characters frequently use the phrase “I’ll be seeing you.

As a cinephile, I’ve always been intrigued by the unique greetings used in films. For instance, in the mysterious world of “The Prisoner,” the villagers often exchange this peculiar phrase. On the other hand, in the gritty action saga of “John Wick,” these assassins employ the same phrase as a chilling greeting or farewell, hinting at impending violence and potential encounters beyond our mortal realm – a subtle nod that only fellow fans of “The Prisoner” would recognize.

6
References to the Thriller novel ‘Shibumi’

Glancing carefully reveals that the airport’s security personnel, who allowed John Wick to access the runway, seems engrossed in the book “Shibumi” by Trevanian – an intriguing tale revolving around a retired master assassin. Does this plot resonate with you?

Additionally, there’s another noteworthy moment. In another part of the story, the Russian criminal mastermind, Viggo (played by Michael Nyqvist), narrates an incident where John Wick managed to eliminate three enemies with nothing but a pencil. This significant scene is directly taken from the book Shibumi.

5
The Continental Is the Same Location as Neo and Agent Smith’s Final Fight

In the John Wick series, The Continental is a renowned symbol, famously depicted as an iconic fictional hotel. You might have spotted this structure in John Wick films. Perhaps you’ve walked by its actual location in New York City, the Beaver Building on Wall Street. Or maybe you recognize it from another franchise where Keanu Reeves plays a leading role.

2003’s “The Matrix Revolutions,” the concluding chapter of the original “Matrix” saga, finds me squarely in the midst of a pulse-pounding, existence-defining showdown between Neo and Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving). This epic face-off unfolds before the iconic Beaver Building, reminiscent of the Continental Hotel’s exterior.

4
Red-Shirt Henchmen Reference ‘Star Trek’

As a cinema enthusiast, I must confess that in the initial John Wick film, there’s an overwhelming number of individuals who meet an untimely end. To put it mildly, it’s quite a spectacle. The scene that left the deepest impression, the Red Circle nightclub massacre, showcases our protagonist, John Wick, eliminating a horde of Russian gangsters and security personnel. In this sequence, many of these individuals are dressed in red shirts, which unfortunately serve as a striking contrast to the bloodshed that follows.

In a recent chat, the director clarified that this particular element is a nod to the classic “Star Trek” series, as it was common there for minor, interchangeable characters to wear red uniforms – a subtle indication suggesting their impending demise.

3
‘Le Cercle Rouge’ Reference

The name of this nightclub, the Red Circle, wasn’t just picked at random. It actually pays homage to the 1970 French film titled “Le cercle rouge,” directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. This movie, or “The Red Circle,” was a significant influence on the crime dramas and film noir genre, as seen in the popular movie “John Wick.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but acknowledge the cinematic nod to Melville. They named their den of nightlife after one of his masterpieces, “Le cercle rouge,” a film renowned for its gripping heist sequence. This 30-minute action spectacle, brimming with minimal dialogue, left an indelible mark on the filmmaking style that later inspired the making of “John Wick.

2
‘Point Break’ Reference

Throughout his career, Keanu Reeves has been a leading figure in many memorable action movies, such as Speed, The Matrix, and John Wick. However, among all these, one action film truly distinguishes itself – the 1991 release, Point Break. In this movie, Reeves teams up with Patrick Swayze and Gary Busey to portray an undercover cop who delves into a gang of suspected bank robbers, disguised as surfers. Essentially, it’s like The Fast and the Furious but set in the world of surfing. Since its debut, Point Break has earned cult-classic status.

John Wick doesn’t pass up an opportunity to pay tribute to this cherished Keanu movie. As the Russian mobster Gregori (Omer Barnea) engages in a match of Dust 514, a first-person shooter video game, we notice his adversary’s username: PointBreak.

1
Using the Name Neo

In the same scene mentioned earlier, sharp-eyed spectators spotted Gregori using the nickname ‘Neo’ while playing Dust 514. Look in the screen’s upper right corner. This is the name of the legendary character from Keanu Reeves’ Matrix series. It’s interesting that he uses this alias within a digitally constructed environment, itself a reflection of his character.

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2025-04-18 04:02

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