The real John Wick only appeared once in four movies
What's the story
The John Wick franchise, led by Keanu Reeves, has come a long way since its 2014 debut.
While the series has only gotten more ambitious with each sequel, John Wick himself has also undergone major transformations.
Introduced as a retired hitman caught up with the powerful Tarasov crime family, later sequels largely ignore this part of his past.
Only once in the entire series does Wick kill someone on another's orders.
Character evolution
'John Wick: Chapter 2' showcased Wick's past as a hitman
The second installment of the franchise, John Wick: Chapter 2, is the only film that shows Wick as an assassin.
The narrative twist is introduced through Santino D'Antonio, an assassin who worked with Wick in the past.
In the sequel, D'Antonio calls in a debt Wick owes him, using a "marker" to pull him back into the killing business with the job of killing his sister.
Blurred boundaries
Even in 'Chapter 2,' things don't go professionally
In John Wick: Chapter 2, even the hired contract gets personal when D'Antonio betrays Wick, leaving him with no choice but to take matters into his own hands.
This betrayal violates the Continental's rule and gets D'Antonio murdered on hotel grounds.
While it was always more than just a job, Chapter 2 masterfully keeps this illusion for most of its runtime, adding another layer to Wick's character.
Narrative focus
Personal vendettas dominate the 'John Wick' franchise
Beyond John Wick: Chapter 2, personal grudges have mostly fueled the protagonist's actions throughout the series.
The first film revolves around revenge for his dog's murder and his disturbed retirement.
From the end of Chapter 2 onwards, it turns into a survival fight as he becomes the target of the entire city.
This transition from professional contract killer to personally motivated avenger adds depth to Wick's character and keeps audiences engaged.
Character depth
The secrecy surrounding Wick's past enhances his character
The decision to introduce Wick as a retired hitman from the get-go of the franchise was a risky one, but it paid off.
Director Chad Stahelski slowly reveals details about Wick's past, subtly changing audiences' perceptions of him as the story progresses.
It adds an element of mystery to his character and keeps the story from being too predictable or familiar.