Milestone Years
- 5th Anniversary: May 17, 2024
- 10th Anniversary: May 17, 2029
- 15th Anniversary: May 17, 2034
- 20th Anniversary: May 17, 2039
Inspiration Behind the Movie
Expanding on the mythology of the first two films, director Chad Stahelski aimed to deepen the world of the High Table and the code-bound underworld of assassins. The title “Parabellum” comes from the Latin phrase “Si vis pacem, para bellum”—“If you want peace, prepare for war.”
You Might Not Know
- Keanu Reeves trained in martial arts, horseback riding, and weapons daily for months.
- Halle Berry broke three ribs during training and still insisted on doing her own stunts.
- The fight choreography blends jiu-jitsu, judo, and tactical gunplay—known as “gun-fu.”
- Scenes were filmed at night across NYC to capture the film’s dark, neon-soaked tone.
- The film introduced dogs as weapons—Berry’s dogs were specially trained for action scenes.
Food Ideas
- “Continental” club sandwiches
- Bullet-shaped cake pops
- Tactical trail mix (spicy nuts, chocolate bullets, pretzel sticks)
- Blackout cupcakes with edible gold accents
- Wick’s whiskey sour or mocktail version
Release Date: May 17, 2019
Summary:
With a $14 million bounty on his head, ex-hitman John Wick is on the run after breaking the rules of the Continental. Hunted by elite assassins worldwide, he must fight his way through a gauntlet of foes while uncovering hidden alliances and seeking redemption in the violent underworld.
Genre(s) and MPAA Rating: Action, Thriller, R
Key Cast Members:
- Keanu Reeves
- Halle Berry
- Laurence Fishburne
- Ian McShane
- Asia Kate Dillon
- Mark Dacascos
- Anjelica Huston
- Lance Reddick
Ways to Celebrate
- Host a Wick-a-thon and screen all three films
- Create a candlelit Continental Lounge with sleek decor
- Learn basic jiu-jitsu or tactical movement online
- Wear a black suit and tie to feel Wick-ready
- Craft your own gold Continental coin props or High Table ID cards
Filming Locations
- Filmed primarily in New York City, including Chinatown and the Flatiron District
- Morocco stood in for the High Table desert scenes
- Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library were key settings
- Interiors of The Continental were filmed at real luxury hotels and enhanced with set design