John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)

Last updated:
May 23, 2025

John Wick: Chapter 2, directed by Chad Stahelski, is the explosive follow-up to the 2014 surprise hit that redefined action cinema. It dives deeper into the criminal underworld only hinted at in the first film, expanding both the lore and the body count. Keanu Reeves returns in arguably his most iconic role, giving audiences a perfect blend of relentless gun-fu, world-building, and pure vengeance.

Detailed Summary

Picking Up the Pieces

The movie opens shortly after the events of the first film. John Wick is still out to retrieve his stolen car from a Russian gang, led by Abram Tarasov (Peter Stormare), the brother of Viggo from the first film. In a spectacularly violent and creative action sequence, John gets his car back and even offers peace, stating he just “wants out.”

But peace doesn’t last long in John Wick’s world.

The Marker and Santino D’Antonio

Back home, John is visited by Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio), an Italian crime lord who holds a Marker—a blood oath that John must honor. Santino demands that John assassinate his sister, Gianna D’Antonio (Claudia Gerini), so he can take her seat at the High Table, the ruling council of the crime world.

John refuses at first, wanting to retire, but Santino blows up his house with a grenade launcher (as one does), forcing John back into the game.

The Rome Mission

John travels to Rome, checking into the Italian branch of the Continental Hotel, and prepares for the hit. During an opulent party, he confronts Gianna, who chooses to kill herself rather than be executed. John still delivers the fatal blow, honoring the contract and ending her suffering.

This sparks chaos—Gianna’s bodyguard Cassian (Common) begins pursuing John, leading to one of the film’s best sequences: a brutal, stylish shootout in catacombs and through the streets of Rome.

Excommunicado and the Contract

Santino, unsurprisingly, betrays John to tie up loose ends. He places a $7 million bounty on John’s head, making him a target for every assassin in New York City. This leads to a relentless barrage of assassination attempts—from violin-wielding killers to sumo-wrestlers.

John is helped by the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), who leads a network of homeless spies. Their uneasy alliance results in John receiving a weapon and a location to finally confront Santino.

Continental Consequences

The film culminates in a climactic showdown at the New York Continental Hotel. John confronts Santino, who has taken sanctuary inside the hotel—where killing is strictly forbidden. But John, tired of the endless cycle of betrayal, kills him on hotel grounds in front of Winston (Ian McShane), the hotel’s manager.

This action has dire consequences.

Movie Ending

The ending of John Wick: Chapter 2 is a complete game-changer for the franchise. After John kills Santino inside the Continental, he meets Winston in Central Park. Winston informs him that because of his actions, the High Table has declared him “excommunicado.” All privileges are revoked, and a global contract is placed on his head.

But Winston gives him a one-hour head start.

As Winston sends out the message to every assassin in the city via an underground communication network, John starts running through the crowded park, dog at his side. The camera pulls back to reveal dozens of people in the crowd subtly watching him—any one of them could be an assassin. The tension is palpable.

The film ends with John on the run, wounded, desperate, and hunted by the entire underworld. It’s a bold cliffhanger that directly sets up the third chapter.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, John Wick: Chapter 2 does not have a post-credits scene. However, it’s worth staying for the credits just to appreciate the music and stylish presentation, but there’s no hidden footage or extra tease at the end.

Type of Movie

This is a neo-noir action thriller, mixing stylized violence with a rich, mythic criminal underworld. The film leans heavily on its visual aesthetic—sleek suits, moody lighting, and elegant gunplay. It’s both arthouse and grindhouse, in a way only John Wick can be.

Cast

Keanu Reeves as John Wick
Common as Cassian
Riccardo Scamarcio as Santino D’Antonio
Ruby Rose as Ares
Ian McShane as Winston
Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King
Claudia Gerini as Gianna D’Antonio
John Leguizamo as Aurelio
Lance Reddick as Charon

Film Music and Composer

The score is composed by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard, returning from the first film. The music is pulse-pounding, blending techno, industrial, and orchestral motifs that perfectly match the film’s high-octane pacing. Highlights include the “John Wick Mode” theme and the slick remix of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons“.

Filming Locations

New York City, USA: Most of the film takes place here, using iconic locations like Central Park, the Oculus, and subway tunnels.
Rome, Italy: The catacombs, the Continental Rome, and ancient architecture provide a classy, old-world backdrop for John’s violent mission.

These real-world locations elevate the film’s mythic feel, making it seem like this shadowy criminal society could actually exist just beneath our reality.

Awards and Nominations

While not an Oscar darling, the film received praise for:

Best Stunt Ensemble nominations at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
High scores on Rotten Tomatoes (over 85%) and strong critical reception for action choreography and world-building.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Keanu Reeves trained 3–4 months in judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and tactical gun handling for his role.
Ruby Rose’s character Ares communicates entirely in sign language; Rose learned ASL for authenticity.
Director Chad Stahelski was Keanu Reeves’ stunt double in The Matrix and brings a stuntman’s precision to every scene.
The fight between John and Cassian through the subway is mostly practical effects—minimal CGI was used.

Inspirations and References

Strong influence from Hong Kong action cinema, especially John Woo films.
The John Wick franchise is inspired in part by spaghetti westerns and classic samurai films.
The character and world are original but draw stylistically from graphic novels, film noir, and mythology (the use of gold coins, the High Table, etc.).

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no confirmed alternate endings, but several extended action scenes and training montages were trimmed for pacing. Some scenes involving the Bowery King’s operations were shortened to keep the film tightly focused on John’s journey.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There is no official book adaptation of the film, but the John Wick universe has been expanded in comics, notably John Wick (2017–2019) published by Dynamite Entertainment, which explores his early years.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The silence-filled catacomb shootout in Rome.
The mirror room finale at the museum.
John assembling his gear at the “sommelier” (weapons expert).
The Continental showdown, where John breaks the sacred rules.

Iconic Quotes

“You stabbed the devil in the back. To him, this isn’t vengeance; this is justice.”
“You wanted me back… I’m back.”
“Rules. Without them, we live with the animals.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The number of headshots per fight is meticulously tracked by fans—John averages nearly 1.5 headshots per kill.
Ares (Ruby Rose) wears a suit similar to Neo’s in The Matrix.
The sommelier and tailor scenes parody luxury service, but for assassination tools.

Trivia

Keanu did over 90% of his own stunts.
Over 300 stunt performers were hired—one of the largest teams for a non-CGI-heavy action film.
The Continental’s rules and coin economy were developed in detail by screenwriter Derek Kolstad, inspired by secret societies.

Why Watch?

If you’re even mildly interested in stylish, hyper-violent, beautifully choreographed action, John Wick: Chapter 2 is mandatory viewing. It’s a rare sequel that deepens its mythology while turning the intensity up to eleven. It’s a ballet of bullets, blood, and betrayal.