Is John Wick Based on a True Story? Release Date and Plot
by Rubaditsha
Updated May 25, 2023
Is John Wick Based on a True Story?
No, John Wick is not a true story. Although certain aspects of John's world draw inspiration from reality, the character and his story are entirely fictional. The concept of John Wick was conceived by writer Derek Kolstad, who wanted to create a revenge tale with a memorable triggering event.
In an interview with Go Into the Story, Kolstad expressed his desire to write a pure revenge film, having been disappointed with some previous attempts in the genre. Influenced by the works of Alistair MacLean and Stephen King during his upbringing, Kolstad aimed to construct a captivating world and surprise audiences with the capabilities of the main character.
The idea for the film stemmed from a personal question that Kolstad posed to himself: "What would you do if someone harmed your beloved pet?" The answer led him to imagine the terrible actions that someone in that situation might take. Thus, the narrative of a trained assassin seeking vengeance for the death of his dog came to life.
However, the original script went through significant changes before reaching the big screen. It had a different title and featured an older protagonist. Basil Iwanyk, a producer of the franchise, revealed that he received a script called "Scorn" from Derek Kolstad. The lead character in the script was a 75-year-old man who had been retired for 25 years. Iwanyk found the idea of an elderly protagonist kicking ass reminiscent of Clint Eastwood's performances and thought it would be interesting to explore. Eventually, the script evolved, taking on a more subversive and fun tone, with a clear emotional arc and an enticing premise for an action movie.
When the revised script reached Keanu Reeves, he immediately expressed his interest and committed to the project. Reeves, however, suggested portraying the character as 35 years old. This decision solidified the birth of the John Wick character as we know him today.
Although John Wick himself is a fictional creation, the fictional world he inhabits draws inspiration from the real world. The concept of The High Table in the movies loosely reflects elements of feudalism, the Continental hotel's neutrality draws parallels to Switzerland's stance during wartime, and Greek history and mythology serve as inspiration for events that unfold on the hotel premises.
John Wick Chapter 4 Story
In "John Wick: Chapter 4," the story continues from the events of the previous films in the franchise. The movie, directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, follows the iconic character John Wick, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks revenge against the High Table and those who left him for dead.
The development of the fourth installment was confirmed by Lionsgate in May 2019, even before the release of "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum." This film marks the first in the franchise not written by Derek Kolstad, the creator of the series. Shay Hatten joined the project as a writer in May 2020, followed by Michael Finch in March 2021.
Principal photography for "John Wick: Chapter 4" took place from June to October 2021, with filming locations spanning various countries, including France, Germany, New York City, and Japan. The production faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a change of the original release date of May 21, 2021.
The movie premiered at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London on March 6, 2023, and was subsequently released in the United States on March 24. "John Wick: Chapter 4" received positive reviews from critics and has achieved significant box office success, grossing under $428 million worldwide. It has become the highest-grossing film in the entire John Wick franchise and ranks as the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2023.
With Keanu Reeves reprising his role as the lethal assassin John Wick, the film introduces new cast members such as Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, Clancy Brown, and Ian McShane. The plot centers around John Wick's mission to take on the powerful High Table and exact vengeance for their betrayal, as he confronts formidable adversaries along the way.
"John Wick: Chapter 4" delves deeper into the complex world of assassins and their intricate hierarchy, exploring themes of loyalty, survival, and the consequences of challenging those in power. Fans of the franchise can expect intense action sequences, stylish cinematography, and the signature blend of gun-fu and hand-to-hand combat that has made the John Wick series a beloved and thrilling cinematic experience.
John Wick 4 Ott Release Date
John Wick 4, starring Keanu Reeves, has been made available on digital platforms for viewers in the United States on 23rd May 2023. The fourth installment of the "John Wick" franchise can now be streamed via video on demand, as reported by several sources.
In this latest film, the relentless assassin John Wick finds himself in Paris. While still being pursued by his enemies, Wick takes the fight to them as well. According to Mark Kennedy's review for the Associated Press (AP), this installment takes the franchise to new heights, offering more style, elegance, and craziness. Kennedy also mentions that the film serves as a bittersweet farewell to Lance Reddick's character, Charon, the concierge of the Continental Hotel, who sadly passed away before the film's release.
It's worth noting that the "John Wick" franchise has achieved remarkable success, officially becoming a billion-dollar franchise. The combined box office earnings of the four films have exceeded $1 billion worldwide.The first film in the franchise, simply titled "John Wick," was released in 2014 and featured Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, and Willem Dafoe. It introduced audiences to the world of John Wick and his deadly skills.
"John Wick: Chapter 2" followed in 2017, with Keanu Reeves reprising his role alongside Riccardo Scamarcio, Ian McShane, and Ruby Rose. The sequel expanded on the story and introduced new characters and challenges for Wick.In 2019, "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" hit the theaters. This installment starred Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Ian McShane, and Laurence Fishburne, further delving into the dangerous and thrilling world of assassins.
Finally, "John Wick: Chapter 4" was released in 2023. It features Keanu Reeves once again, alongside Laurence Fishburne, George Georgiou, and Lance Reddick. The film continues the high-octane action and gripping storyline that fans have come to expect from the franchise.
With its captivating blend of intense action sequences and a captivating narrative, the "John Wick" films have become a favorite among audiences worldwide. The release of "John Wick 4" on digital platforms provides viewers with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of John Wick once more.
John Wick 4 Box Office
As of May 25, 2023, "John Wick: Chapter 4" has achieved significant box office success. In the United States and Canada, the film has grossed $185.5 million, while in other territories it has earned $242.5 million, resulting in a worldwide total of $428 million.
During its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, "John Wick: Chapter 4" was estimated to make between $65 million and $70 million from 3,855 theaters. On its first day, the film earned $29.4 million, including an impressive $8.9 million from Thursday night previews.
This Thursday preview figure not only surpassed the previous films in the series but also became the highest for any R-rated film released since March 2020. The film went on to debut at $73.8 million, claiming the top spot at the box office and achieving the best opening weekend for the entire franchise.
It also marked the best opening weekend for Lionsgate and any R-rated film since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. This latter record even surpassed the performance of "Halloween Kills." At the time of its release, "John Wick: Chapter 4" had the second-highest opening weekend of the year, trailing behind "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania."
In its second weekend, the film earned $28.3 million, a decline of 61.6% from its opening weekend, securing the second-place position behind the newcomer "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." The film continued its strong performance in its third weekend, earning $14.6 million and once again finishing in second place, this time behind "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."
Internationally, "John Wick: Chapter 4" had an impressive opening weekend, grossing $64 million from 71 markets. In its second weekend, the film earned $35 million from 75 markets, maintaining its global momentum. By its third weekend, the film had accumulated $21.5 million in international earnings. Notable territories contributing to the film's box office success include the United Kingdom with $18 million, Germany with $16.9 million, Mexico with $13.7 million, Australia with $13.3 million, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with $12.3 million.
Overall, "John Wick: Chapter 4" has captivated audiences worldwide and has become a major financial success, solidifying its position as one of the highest-grossing films in the franchise.
John Wick Plot
The story of "John Wick: Chapter 4" takes place in New York City and follows John Wick as he seeks revenge against the powerful High Table. With the assistance of the Bowery King, John hides underground and plans his next moves. His journey takes him to Morocco, where he targets the Elder, a prominent figure who holds significant influence over the High Table. This act catches the attention of Marquis Vincent de Gramont, a member of the High Table, who summons Winston, the manager of the New York Continental hotel, and his trusted concierge, Charon.
The Marquis expresses his disappointment in Winston for failing to eliminate John Wick. As a consequence, he strips Winston of his managerial duties, declares him "excommunicado," destroys the Continental, and executes Charon. To eliminate any possible alliances, the Marquis forces Caine, a retired High Table assassin who is now blind, to kill his old friend John or face the death of his own daughter.
Seeking refuge, John seeks the Osaka Continental, a hotel managed by his friend Shimazu Koji. However, Chidi, the Marquis' second-in-command, accompanied by High Table assassins and Caine, arrives to investigate the hotel. Akira, Koji's daughter and the hotel's concierge, evacuates the premises just before the High Table "deconsecrates" the hotel. A fierce battle ensues between Koji's men and the High Table assassins, with John fighting his way through armored adversaries.
The conflict leads to a confrontation between John and Caine, but their fight is interrupted by a bounty hunter known as "Mr. Nobody," who helps John escape after determining that the bounty on John's head is insufficient. Koji, gravely wounded, continues to attack Caine on John's behalf, but Caine reluctantly kills him and spares Akira.
Returning to New York, John meets Winston at Charon's gravesite, and Winston suggests invoking an old High Table tradition to challenge the Marquis to a duel. If John wins, he would be freed from all obligations to the High Table, but he can only request a duel on behalf of a crime family. John travels to Berlin to seek readmission into the Ruska Roma crime syndicate, which he had previously severed ties with.
Katia, his adoptive sister, demands that John kill Killa Harkan, a High Table member who murdered their father, as a condition for his readmission. John confronts Killa at his nightclub, and with the assistance of Caine and Mr. Nobody, he fights against Killa's henchmen. Ultimately, John kills Killa and regains his status.
Winston acts as John's representative and formally challenges the Marquis. He requests the rebuilding of the New York Continental with himself reinstated as manager if John emerges victorious. In Paris, John and the Marquis meet with the Harbinger, the emissary of the High Table, to determine the parameters of the duel.
They agree to face each other at sunrise on the Sacré-Cœur, using dueling pistols. The Marquis nominates a reluctant Caine as his substitute, and Winston and John will face execution if either of them fails to appear on time. The Bowery King arrives in Paris, providing John with a pistol and a new ballistic suit.
To hinder John's arrival at the duel, the Marquis places a $26 million bounty on him. John faces countless assassins on his way to Sacré-Cœur, including Mr. Nobody, who negotiates an increase in the bounty to $40 million. During their encounter, John prevents Chidi from killing Mr. Nobody's dog, causing a stunned Mr. Nobody to abandon his pursuit.
Is John Wick Based on a True Story: FAQs
John Wick: Chapter 4 was released in 2023.
As of May 22, 2023, John Wick: Chapter 4 has grossed $185.5 million in the United States and Canada, and $242.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $428 million.
John Wick: Chapter 4 was projected to gross $65-70 million in its opening weekend in the United States and Canada. It ended up making $73.8 million, marking the best opening weekend of the franchise.
In John Wick: Chapter 4, John Wick seeks vengeance against the High Table while being assisted by the Bowery King. He travels to Morocco to eliminate the Elder and faces consequences from the Marquis. John takes refuge at the Osaka Continental, fights off High Table assassins, and eventually returns to New York for a final duel.