The Deadly Canines of John Wick: An Unconventional Protagonist
Exploring the significance of dogs in the John Wick franchise and their roles as unconventional protagonists.
Dogs as Protagonists in the John Wick Franchise
An argument can be made that dogs are the real protagonists in the John Wick movies, with some being more deadly than others. The Keanu Reeves-led franchise is notable for its violence, well-choreographed fight scenes, and stunts, yet it all traces back to John's relationship with his dog in the first film.
Daisy inside her cage in John Wick's intro.
Interestingly, in each installment of the John Wick series, the significance of dogs to the plot as a whole increases. The dogs in each movie highlight the series' themes of violence, revenge, and acceptance via Wick's relationship with them. From domesticated companions offering reprieve from the chaos of their violent lives to those depicted in an equally ruthless light, the dogs in the John Wick franchise leave a strong impression for various reasons, making them an essential component of the films' lore.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick looks down at Daisy in a scene from John Wick.
John Wick's Daisy: The Least Deadly Dog
Daisy, a small Beagle, is John Wick's very first dog, inherited as a final gift from his deceased wife Helen. Despite Daisy's harmless nature, her death spurs Wick to turn back to his old ways and embark on a bloody quest for revenge. Although Daisy is the least deadly dog in the John Wick franchise, her emotional significance to Wick's character is profound.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick lies next to Daisy's corpse in John Wick.
John Wick's ending sees him adopt an unnamed Pitbull, thus saving it from being euthanized, further highlighting his connection with dogs as a source of emotional support and humanity.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick and the Unnamed Dog in John Wick: Chapter 2's climax.
John Wick's Unnamed Pitbull: A Loyal Companion
In John Wick: Chapter 2, Wick and the unnamed Pitbull live a new life together as Wick attempts to walk away from his former lifestyle. The Pitbull is never seen engaging in combat, but her intimidating appearance and incredible speed make her considerably more deadly than Daisy. Wick's adoption of her perfectly highlights his humanity despite being a prolific assassin, and he goes out of his way to keep her safe.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick holds a tennis ball up to the Unnamed Dog in John Wick: Chapter 2.
The Deadly Canines of John Wick: Chapter 4
John Wick: Chapter 4 introduces Mr. Nobody's dog, known as 'The Accomplice.' This Belgian Malinois is agile, intelligent, and loyal, making Mr. Nobody and the Accomplice one of the deadliest duos in the franchise. The Accomplice is an attack dog, blending in with her environments to launch sneak attacks on enemies, and her ability to sustain incredible amounts of damage makes her one of the deadliest dogs in John Wick.
The Accomplice looks up at an off-screen Shamier Anderson as Mr. Nobody in John Wick: Chapter 4.
The movie also features Sofia Al-Azwar's loyal twin Belgian Malinois canines, Lerna and Orthrus, whose coordinated attacks overwhelm enemies and showcase some of the most impressive displays of canine carnage in the franchise.
Halle Berry as Sofia Al-Azwar sits in between Lerna and Orthrus in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum.
