Small Details You Missed In The John Wick 4 Trailer At San Diego Comic-Con
Keanu Reeves has enjoyed a remarkable run in Hollywood, one so impressive that if he were to retire tomorrow, he'd have accomplished more than most in the entertainment world. However, his tenure isn't over yet, as evidenced by his work in the breakneck, high-octane "John Wick" franchise, where he plays the lead character. A retired assassin — one of the best in the game — Wick is brought back into the criminal underworld following the death of his dog, which was the last gift his late wife ever gave him. Suffice to say, it didn't welcome him back with open arms.
Following his blood-soaked quest for revenge in 2014's "John Wick," the titular badass attempts to return to his retirement. However, he's once again pulled back into the world of crime and corruption in "John Wick: Chapter 2," where his situation only goes from bad to worse. Upon breaking one of the rules of the Continental, its figurehead, Winston (Ian McShane), excommunicates him from the organization with a bounty placed on his head. Thus, throughout "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum," he's locked in a fight for his life against the worst of the worst who are hoping for a quick payday.
Despite the insurmountable odds against him, Wick survives, paving the way for "John Wick: Chapter 4." A sneak peek of the fourth film has finally arrived, and even though it isn't long, a few small details that lie within are worth diving into.
The return of several recognizable faces
In the midst of all the action, drama, and questions the "John Wick: Chapter 4" teaser provides, it also reminds viewers that several key players from the franchise's past will play a part in the story. One of the most noteworthy is the Bowery King, as portrayed by Keanu Reeves' former "Matrix" co-star, Laurence Fishburne. He's seen a handful of times throughout the trailer, urging Wick to suit up — likely for their continued conflict with the mysterious High Table, which wants Wick dead — and dramatically blowing out a lit match.
Additionally, the sneak preview gives us a look at two other fan-favorite series staples who have become more important to the "John Wick" story as it has unfolded. Winston makes a brief appearance, though he doesn't get anything to do or say — much like his fellow Continental Hotel regular, Charon (Lance Reddick), who locks eyes with Clancy Brown's unnamed character at the hotel's front desk. Time will tell how they'll factor into Wick's mission and where they stand with the High Table as it continues its conflict with the "Baba Yaga."
New yet familiar threads
For a large portion of the trailer, John Wick's training in preparation for his attack on the High Table takes the spotlight. He repeatedly drives his bloodied fists into a makiwara post, ignoring the pain and pressing onward with the workout. Of course, he wouldn't dare go into battle wearing a pair of baggy sweatpants and a plain white t-shirt. Well aware of this, the Bowery King prepares a new yet familiar ensemble for his unlikely ally: a black-on-black suit. He presents it to Wick and asks him if he's ready, to which the legendary assassin simply replies, "Yeah."
Since the very first "John Wick" film, his suits have become an integral part of his persona. No matter the opponent or task at hand, he always ensures he has a tie around his neck, his lapels flat, and his dress shirt tucked in. He's a professional, after all, and it's vital to keep up his image at all times. At the end of "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum," he was a broken, crumpled mess of a man whose suit was ragged and his body destroyed. His new "John Wick: Chapter 4" suit just lets us know that he's gotten his mojo back and he's ready to get to work.
The writing on the wall
If Hollywood has taught the world anything, it's that minor details can mean far more than one might think. In the case of the "John Wick: Chapter 4" preview, this concept may very well hold water. At the aforementioned moment when Wick confirms to the Bowery King that he's ready to go, various drawings and words scrawled on the wall behind him occupy the screen around him. One such scribbling is the word "past" right in front of his training area, which could point to a couple of things for Wick's future.
For one, "past" could allude to his ongoing war with the High Table. As he prepares to take it down, he may keep the word in front of him as a reminder that he's finally putting his past to rest once he succeeds. Then again, another reading of this is that he'll have to use his past in order to be successful. During his years as an assassin, he didn't earn the nickname "Baba Yaga" for no reason. Wick has to go back to the days when no one dared cross him lest they wish to meet a swift end if he wants to topple an entire underground empire.
Although, this could all just be tinfoil hat speculation. We'll find out one way or the other when "John Wick: Chapter 4" hits the big screen on March 24, 2023.