I would love to learn more about Keanu Reeves' titular assassin inJohn Wick 5, but I hope one popular fan theory never becomes true. The firstJohn Wickmoviewas released in 2014 and immediately established that Reeves' assassin character was a force to be reckoned with. Also known as Baba Yaga, some of the most dangerous assassins in the world shuddered when hearing the name John Wick. Throughout four movies, the life and career of John Wick are explored more, up until his surprising death at theend ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4.
However, even though he seemingly died at the end of the fourth film, it has been confirmed thatJohn Wick 5is in development. Reeves and franchise director Chad Stahelski have cast doubt aboutJohn Wick 5happening, but if it does, it could explore more about the titular character. Specifically, the fifth film could further focus on the relationship between John Wick and Winston, who is the manager of the New York Continental and one of John’s closest allies. However,I hope one fan theory about John Wick and Winston doesn’t come true.
Winston Is John Wick’s Father - Theory Explained
John Wick Grew Up As An Orphan
Even though John and Winston have always had a close relationship, the end of the fourth movie led fans to theorize that they may be closer than previously believed. In fact, many believe thatWinston is John Wick’s father, which would explain a lot about their relationship in the franchise. There are several hints inJohn Wick: Chapter 4that support this theory. Firstly,after John’s funeral, Winston places his hand on his grave, revealing a previously unseen tattoo on his wrist. This tattoo of the Ruska Roma crime syndicate is the exact same as the one John Wick has.
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Since Winston has always worn a suit, it is unclear if he has other tattoos, but this reveal led fans to believe that he could have just as many as John, suggesting they are more similar than previously believed. Since they have both been involved with the Ruska Roma, this isn’t the strongest piece of evidence for this theory. However,during the funeral scene, Winston also says, “Farewell, my son.“Winston and John definitely have a close relationship, and he could just be saying “son” figuratively, but it’s possible that this line is meant to confirm that they are related.
It’s also worth noting that Winston says this line in Russian. Winston’s nationality is never revealed in the franchise, but John Wick is Russian. It’s not unrealistic that Winston knows how to speak Russian, as well, since he has dealt with the Ruska Roma and has acquaintances all over the world, but this line could confirm that he and John are closer than fans have been led to believe.By calling John “son” in Russian, Winston could be confirming that they come from the same placeand are actually father and son.
Stahelski & McShane Like The Theory That Winston Is John Wick’s Father
This theory has become so popular over the years that it has prompted responses from both Stahelski and Ian McShane, who plays Winston in the franchise. Speaking to Screen Rant in January 2024,McShane revealed that it was actually his idea to have the tattoo on his hand and to speak Russian at the end ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4. The actor admits that he wanted to play into thetheory that Winston is John Wick’s fatherwithout actually confirming anything. He said:
That was my idea at the end of that, to have the tattoo on my hand and to say in Russian, goodbye in Russian, “Dasvidanya, moy syn.” But, it’s just a tease to the audience, who knows what they’ll come up with.
In addition to McShane’s comments, Shahelski has actually addressed a variation of this theory. Instead of Winston being his father, Stahelski has teased that he could beJohn Wick’s father-in-law. Since John’s wife dies before the events of the first movie, this would make their relationship even more special.While Stahelski didn’t initially intend for Winston to be John’s father-in-law, he admitted that he really likes the theory, saying, “Could it go there? Yeah, I think that’s pretty clever. I think it’s cool. I think there is a familiar relationship there for sure.”
Winston & John Wick’s Relationship Is Better Without Him Being John’s Father
Winston Being John Wick’s Father Would Make Certain Moments Worse
Since John Wick and Winston have a very special relationship in the series, it is not surprising that there have been so many theories about their deeper connection. Clearly, even Stahelski and McShane think the theories about John Wick and Winston are fascinating. However, in my opinion, making Winston John Wick’s father would actually make their relationship worse. Throughout the series,Winston continuously risks his own life to help John, but his brave actions would be lessened if he was actually his father.
If Winston was actually John’s father, then it would minimize several events in the series.
For example,one of the best moments of the series is when Winston chooses to fight with John during the climax ofJohn Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum. Winston likely wouldn’t do this for any of the other assassins that he knows, which is what makes his relationship with John so special. Winston doesn’t ever need to help John, but he does so because he cares about him and views him as a son. If Winston was actually John’s father, then it would minimize several events in the series, since he would just be helping him because of their familial connection.
If John Wick 5 Happens, It Shouldn’t Confirm The Theory
John Wick 5 Can Avoid Addressing This Theory
Even though there are hints that Winston is John Wick’s father at the end ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4, none of them confirm this theory to be true. Therefore, ifJohn Wick 5does happen, I desperately hope that this is not the direction the franchise heads in.Winston and John already have a great relationship and dynamic in the series, and that does not need to be changed for future movies.
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From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)
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Of course, theupcoming spinoff movieBallerina, which will feature both Winston and John Wick, could confirm or debunk this theory before the fifth film. However, if it does not, thenJohn Wick 5should avoid making this theory true.Winston being John Wick’s father is totally fine as a theory, but making it canon would honestly be sillyand weaken several moments in previous movies. Therefore, while Winston being John’s father is a fun theory, I hope it isn’t proven to be true inJohn Wick 5.
