JOHN WICK: CHAPTER FOUR
Written by
Shay Hatten
Current Revisions by
Michael Finch
Based on characters created by Derek Kolstad
Locked white draft: May 30, 2021
Blue Revisions: June 23, 2021
Pink Revisions: July 2, 2021
Yellow Revisions: July 14, 2021
Green Revisions: August 10, 2021
Goldenrod Revisions: October 2, 2021
Buff Revisions: October 22, 2021
Salmon Revisions: January 28, 2022
1 EXT. NEW YORK CITY - DAWN 1
Establishing: An aerial view of New York City's iconic
skyline as the sun crests the horizon.
OPENING CREDITS:
Titles begin:
BANG! The sound of bone impacting wood echoes.
1A EXT. NYC / STREET - DAWN 1A
A low rent part of town, gritty and industrial. A symbol is
spray painted on a wall: an "X" with an "0" on each side and
a jagged "line" above. This is HOBO SYMBOL and in the
language of the street it means: "a safe place."
2 INT. NYC / BOWERY KING'S WORLD / UNDERGROUND - DAWN 2
A long, dark tunnel illuminated by a lantern. Walls covered
in HOBO SYMBOLS. Footsteps echo. Two long shadows stretch
out. A familiar voice, loud in the confined space, washes
over us:
THE BOWERY KING (V.O.)
"I am the way into the city of woe,
I am the way into eternal pain,
I am the way to go among the lost."
3 INT. NYC / BOWERY KING'S WORLD / BOMB SHELTER - DAWN 3
BANG! A shadow shrouded room illuminated faintly by shafts of
blue light angling down from above through an old grate.
EXTREMELY CLOSE ON a thick wooden Makiwara board as a FIST
slams into it. When the fist pulls back, it leaves a smear of
blood.
4 INT. NYC / BOWERY KING'S WORLD / UNDERGROUND - DAWN 4
ANGLE ON a large metal door. An old fashioned SKELETON KEY,
set on a large ring of keys, slides into the lock.
THE BOWERY KING (V.O.)
"Justice caused my high architect
to move,
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 2.
THE BOWERY KING (V.O.)
Divine omnipotence created me,
The highest wisdom, and the primal
love."
The key turns and the lock disengages with a sharp clang. A
hand pulls the door open to reveal stairs dropping down.
5 INT. NYC / BOWERY KING'S WORLD / BOMB SHELTER - DAWN 5
BANG! WIDER ON the Makiwara board as the fist SLAMS into it.
Violent, brutal. Each punch speckling the wood with blood. We
now see that the fist is MISSING ITS RING FINGER.
The fist of JOHN WICK.
6 INT. NYC / BOWERY KING'S WORLD / UNDERGROUND - DAWN 6
Man and dog approach a heavy duty grate secured by chains and
padlocks. As the man unlocks the locks, we see his face, and
that of his companion: the BOWERY KING and John's dog. Slung
over the Bowery King's shoulder is a black suit in a plastic
dry cleaning bag.
THE BOWERY KING
"Before me there were no created
things.
But those that last forever as do
I."
The King slides the grate over and he and the dog step onto a
freight elevator. He pulls a lever. The elevator descends...
7 INT. NEW YORK CITY / BOWERY KING'S WORLD / BOMB SHELTER - DAY
7
BANG! SLIGHTLY WIDER NOW, as we view John's fist punching the
board in SILHOUETTE. Kettle bells to one side, a work bench
that's home to a disassembled Glock and bullet press, on the
other. |Light glistening off a knife blade resting on a
millstone. Behind it, a worn and duct taped heavy bag.
8 INT. NEW YORK CITY / BOWERY KING'S WORLD / UNDERGROUND - DAY
8
The Bowery King and the dog move down a long corridor,
passing by a stone face carved into a supporting beam: JANUS,
the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, duality, endings,
and perhaps most importantly, war and peace.
As the Bowery King passes Janus's face, we see, on the back
of the supporting beam, an identical face.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 3.
At the end of the corridor is a metal door. Etched above it
is another HOBO SYMBOL: a circle set next to a square, both
with dots in the center. The Bowery King inserts a key. BANG!
THE BOWERY KING
"Abandon all hope you who enter..."
(to dog, with a sly smile)
...because you are now in the
presence of the motherfucking King.
He turns the key and pushes the door open.
9 INT. NYC / BOWERY KING'S WORLD / BOMB SHELTER - DAWN 9
BANG! As the door opens, a band of light illuminates the room
and we finally see John in full: SHIRTLESS, tattoos
glistening with sweat, muscles RIPPLING.
THE BOWERY KING
You ready, John?
Finally, John looks over his shoulder at The Bowery King who
presents the suit to him. Months have passed. His body is
honed by exercise, and his wounds, save that bloody finger,
healed by time. The physical ones at least.
It's a long beat as he breathes heavily in and out.
Impossible to read his expression.
JOHN
...Yeah.
As the final titles roll, we focus on the board, pockmarked
with John's blood. The blood forms tendrils which in turn
form the words:
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4
10 OMITTED 10
10A EXT. THE DESERT - DAWN 10A
WIDE. The sun -- blood orange, massive -- slowly rises,
illuminating the wide and featureless desert flats.
Three Arabians thunder by. The RIDERS, in Bedouin robes,
pushing their steeds to the edge of exhaustion.
BOOM! A gunshot reverberates and Rider #1 slumps over his
saddle.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 3A.
REVERSE TO A FIGURE on an Arabian, black against the orb of
the rising sun, features distorted by the heat shimmer.
BANG! The Rider #2 is knocked off his horse.
RIDER #3 spurs his mount forward--
BANG! Rider #3 catches a bullet in the shoulder. He spins,
losing his saddle, hits the sand as his horse canters away.
As Rider #3 pulls himself to his feet, a long shadow washes
over him.
Slowly, he turns and though we don't recognize his face, we
know him to be THE ELDER; the One Who Sits Above the Table.
THE ELDER'S POV: A single DROP OF RICH RED BLOOD, spatters
the fine sand.
PAN UP, over the Arabian's black legs, to black shoes, black
suit, left hand, ring-finger severed at the joint, refusing
to heal to John Wick, framed by the rising sun. JW dismounts
and shoots the 2 bodyguards left standing.
THE ELDER
Mr. Wick. To what do I owe the
pleasure?
JOHN
My ring, my freedom.
JW takes a knee .....
THE ELDER
Then I'm afraid you've come a very
long way for nothing. *
THE ELDER
Your ring is gone , like the Elder
before me and if you came here
thinking you could end this by
killing me , you are mistaken....
My death will not change the
outcome any more than you can
change your nature...None of us can
escape who we are and no one
escapes The Table.
(MORE)
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 3B.
THE ELDER (CONT'D)
As I replaced my predecessor , so
too shall I be replaced , and the
only way John Wick will ever know
freedom or peace is in death...You
are under The Table , and you have
been judged.
JOHN
I know.
THE ELDER
...Then why are you here?
JOHN
For you to help me change their
minds.
THE ELDER
As I said , no on escapes who they
are...Im afraid you've come a long
way for nothing....
The Elder stands....
JW stands and slowly raises his gun....
JOHN
Yeah.....me too.
BOOM! The shot rings out, echoing across the desert and far
beyond.
The Elder drops, blood pooling from the back of his head,
forming a pattern on the sand.
ANGLE ON Rider #2. The man, on the ground, looks up, squints
into the sun that frames John's face. John grabs the back of
the man's head and pulls him close.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Tell them. Tell them all. I'm going
to kill them. I'm going to kill
them all.
John releases the man and mounts his Arabian. A skin of water
thuds to the sand next to Rider #2. He watches as John rides
away.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 3C.
11 OMITTED 11
12 EXT. MANHATTAN / THE CONTINENTAL - DAY 12
Establishing: An aerial view of the hotel.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 4.
13 INT. MANHATTAN / THE CONTINENTAL / LOBBY - DAY 13
BELLBOYS with luggage, GUESTS checking in, and the true
fixture of this establishment, CHARON, at his rightful place
at the front desk.
A DOORMAN opens the front door. On a dime, the mood changes.
Conversations turn to whispers as all eyes turn toward a
behemoth of a man in a tweed suit: THE HARBINGER.
The Harbinger cuts an imposing path as he walks towards the
front desk -- people part to move out of his way. He reaches
the desk and looks at Charon for a long beat... then removes
a LARGE HOURGLASS FULL OF BLACK SAND from his valise and sets
it upright on the counter.
THE HARBINGER
The Manager.
Charon studies him warily...lifts his phone as patrons head
for the exit.
CHARON
A Harbinger is here to see you,
sir.
14 INT. MANHATTAN / THE CONTINENTAL / WINSTON'S OFFICE - DAY 14
WINSTON sits behind his desk, reading glasses perched on his
nose, scanning an official looking DOCUMENT -- something
written with quill and ink and sealed with wax. He lowers it.
WINSTON
There must be a mistake.
THE HARBINGER
There is no mistake. By order of
The Marquis, Vincent Bisset de
Gramont, this hotel has been
condemned.
The Harbinger turns the hourglass over and the black sand
beings to run through it.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
One hour.
The Harbinger turns to walk out, pausing by Charon who stands
by the door. He turns back to Winston.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
He's expecting you.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 5-9.
Winston... nods. The Harbinger departs and Winston's gaze
shifts to the hourglass.
CHARON
Can he do this, sir?
WINSTON
The decree is signed by all twelve
members of The Table bestowing upon
him powers autem imperator. He is
our judge, jury, and now...
executioner. Evacuate the hotel.
15 EXT. MANHATTAN / OFFICE TOWER - DAY 15
Winston and Charon exit a towncar and head for the lobby.
16 OMITTED 16
17 INT. MANHATTAN / OFFICE TOWER / TOP FLOOR / LOBBY - DAY 17
DING! Elevator doors slide open to reveal Winston and Charon.
The two step out into a whole new corner of the world of the
High Table.
Sterile, minimalist, the INSIGNIA OF THE HIGH TABLE looming
over a desk where several SECRETARIES -- all in white, all
with FLEUR DE LIS tattoos or jewelry -- sit. The Marquis'
elite guard: THE MYRMIDONS line the walls.
CHIDI -- lean, hard, condescending, serious and lethal --
waits by massive doors at the opposite end of the space by
large doors.
As Winston and Charon walk towards him:
WINSTON
Tradition has it that a condemned
man being led to the gallows was
permitted a final speech. This
public penitence was an affirmation
of the necessity of observing
divine law.
CHARON
You have done nothing to warrant
the gallows.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 5-9A.
WINSTON
(a wry smile)
Ned Kelly's final words as the
hangman put the noose around his
neck were: "Such is life". Such is
life! Can you imagine? The
defiance! The acceptance!
CHARON
Today is not the day you will die.
Of that I am sure.
They stop in front of Chidi.
WINSTON
You have the unshakable faith of
David, and you are a true friend,
but you should not be here. This
won't be pleasant.
CHARON
Such is life, sir.
Winston studies his friend for a moment and gives a nod of
genuine gratitude.
WINSTON
Thank you.
Doors open and they step into:
18 INT. MANHATTAN / OFFICE TOWER / PENTHOUSE - DAY 18
Doors fully open and Winston, Charon and Chidi enter the
gargantuan chamber lined with Myrmidons. Scores of high white
columns frame a round reflecting pool of still water set in
the chamber's center, their capitals, incandescent with
diffuse white light, a stark contrast to the pool's dark
surface.
At the far end of the space, standing by the floor to ceiling
windows, his back to Winston and Charon, one hand holding a
cup of coffee, the other stirring it methodically, is a man
in a finely tailored suit.
This is THE MARQUIS VINCENT BISSET DE GRAMONT, the Sheriff
of the High Table. He is the undisputed law of this world.
Resting on the Marquis's glass desk is an identical hourglass
to the one delivered to the hotel. The black sand -- now 90%
expended -- runs through it at the same rate.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 5-9B.
Winston and Charon walk to the center of the room and stop on
one side of the pool.
If the Marquis notices his guests, he doesn't show it. He
merely stands there, his back to Winston and Charon. The only
motion is that slow and steady stirring. It's a long and
uncomfortable moment as Winston eyes the sand flowing through
the hourglass. The room is so quiet the only sound is The
Marquis stirring his coffee. After a long moment:
THE MARQUIS
My father used to say: "How you do
anything is how you do everything."
Called it the first and the last
rule of life. Do you believe in
rules, Mr. Manager?
WINSTON
I do.
THE MARQUIS
And what of consequences?
WINSTON
That depends on the transgression.
THE MARQUIS
You believe in measured responses,
then?
WINSTON
And in second chances.
THE MARQUIS
That's where we differ, you and I.
The Marquis turns, taking in Winston and Chidi. He sips his
coffee. The black sand is 94% expended.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
Second chances are the refuge of
men who fail.
Winston waits for The Marquis to continue. He does not. He
doesn't have to. He has all the time in the world.
The silence sits there; heavy, like a weight on a man's
chest, every second adding more and more pressure. 95%.
Finally, The Marquis turns.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
There are those on The Table who
blame this... atrocity on New York.
(MORE)
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 5-9C.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
They believe it's this city - with
all of its decadence and temptation
- that is the cause of this. I take
a different view. When a child acts
out, I believe the fault lies with
the parent. The Table has indulged
this place for too long and look
where that's gotten us.
WINSTON
I shot him.
THE MARQUIS
And yet he lives... polluting
everything he touches.
The sand is 97% drained.
WINSTON
Marquis. Respectfully. My hotel--
THE MARQUIS
Your hotel?
CHARON
If I might, sir?
The Marquis eyes Charon, as though noticing him for the first
time.
THE MARQUIS
By all means.
CHARON
The Continentals, and their
management are a reminder to all
who sit beneath The Table that none
of us are above the rules.
THE MARQUIS
You believe your hotel provides
order?
CHARON
No, sir. Only The Table can assure
order. But our hotel, by virtue of
the fact that it is a place of
sanctuary, ensures that The Table
does not have to.
The sand drains, spiraling in the top cylinder: 98%
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 5-9D.
THE MARQUIS
And yet here we are.
(alt:)
And how is that working out for
you?
CHARON
Mr. Wick--
THE MARQUIS
We are not here because of John
Wick.
(shifting his attention to
Winston)
He is simply the face of your
failure, Mr. Manager. That you
failed us is why we are here. The
sand in that glass is merely an
echo of my remaining patience...
A long pause as The Marquis surveys Winston who holds the
Frenchman's gaze.
The last grain drops through the glass. A FLASH in the
distance. Then a low RUMBLE. The glass shakes ever so
slightly. A cloud of debris rises over Manhattan. As it falls
away, a column of black smoke rises.
Winston can only watch as The Continental dies.
And with it, a part of Winston dies too. That building was
his identity. And now it is gone.
Winston's pain is reflected in Charon. He wants to put a hand
on his friend's shoulder, but somehow that would be improper.
The Marquis, who never took his eyes off of Winston, never
looked at the hotel, begins the walk towards Winston and
Charon. He draws his weapon. Lines it on Winston as he
approaches.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
You were New York. Now, you are
nothing. You are excommunicado.
WINSTON
Such is life.
THE MARQUIS
Thus you will no longer require the
services of a concierge.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 5-9E.
Winston stares. A grim and horrifying realization dawns as
The Marquis swings the weapon on Charon and pulls the
trigger!
BOOM! Charon stumbles backward, blood seeping through his
white shirt and spreading across his chest.
Winston, his shirt spattered with blood specks, catches him,
cushioning his fall, kneeling with him, holding him.
The Marquis walks out, Chidi falling in behind him.
Charon extends his hand and Winston clasps it. There is an
absolute calmness to this man; a commitment to exhibit the
same dignity and duty in death as he did in life.
CHARON
It has been an honor.
WINSTON
Rest now, friend.
These two old friends share one final moment before Charon
slips away.
Winston, on his knees, cradling Charon's head, slowly looks
up, eyes locked on the receding Marquis. Shock and anger are
slowly morphing to something else: something dangerous.
ANGLE ON The Marquis, Winston and Charon behind him.
THE MARQUIS
Amène-moi Caine.
A soft, lyrical musical piece washes over us, growing in
pitch and intensity...
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 10.
19 EXT. PARIS - AFTERNOON 19
Establishing: Paris, the city of lights, vibrant and alive on
a summer's afternoon.
PARIS
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 11.
20 EXT. PARIS / JARDIN DE LUXENBOURG - AFTERNOON 20
MIA (20), Chinese, violin to her ear, stands on the steps,
playing the piece.
People have stopped to watch and to listen. Her body sways as
the pitch builds. She is profoundly connected to this music,
almost as though it has meaning outside of the notes.
ANGLE ON CAINE, (40s) Chinese, sharp suit, walking cane
stands some dozen yards away. Though he is apart from Mia --
his back is to her and his eyes are closed -- in this moment
he is very much with her.
As the music builds, we note the locket resting in his right
palm. Old and worn by the constant rubbing of his thumb, it
has meaning to this man beyond the material. For him, it is
beauty and serenity.
The piece reaches its crescendo and stops, bringing Caine
back to reality.
People applaud. Mia stares, almost like she's surprised
anyone was there. A WOMAN puts a few Euros in her open violin
case, a "ENMP" (Ecole Normale de Musique Paris) sticker
prominent.
As Mia packs her violin, Caine stands. As he turns into the
camera and his face comes into the light, we see his milky
white eyes. Caine is blind.
He takes a tentative step towards her... stops... pulls a
flask from his jacket, and drinks before turning away.
21 OMITTED 21
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 12.
22 INT. PARIS / GAMBLING PARLOR - NIGHT 22
CLOSE ON a heavy metal CUP. With a FLASH - two dice are
snatched off the GREEN FELT TABLE into the up. We pull back
to see the weathered hand that shakes it. Inside the CUP, the
dice rattle - a feverish crescendo building. With a flick of
the wrist, the dice skitter across the felt, bounce off the
runners, settle. A FOUR and a THREE.
The DEALER -- French -- razor slash across his face, bad
tattoos creeping over his neckline slides ides cash across
the table to Caine who just rolled. In front of him is a pile
of cash and a shot glass.
DEALER
(French:)
Eight in a row.
Caine's fingers run over the dice, slides them into the cup.
CAINE
Nine.
Dice rattle. He rolls. Wins again.
DEALER
Lucky.
As Caine collects the dice and cash.
CAINE
There's no such thing as luck.
Caine rolls again and wins again. The Dealer stares at the
dice.
CAINE (CONT'D)
Would you look at that.
Caine's fingers find the shot glass. He grasps it...
CAINE (CONT'D)
Lucky me.
Caine downs the shot.
CAINE (CONT'D)
Again.
DEALER
...You should leave now.
Caine... slides his pile of cash forward.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 12A.
DEALER (CONT'D)
Maybe you didn't hear me.
CAINE
...Again.
The Dealer's eyes flick to two Thugs moonlighting as casino
security.
23 EXT. PARIS / ALLEY - NIGHT 23
Caine makes his way down the alley, his cane swinging in
front of him as the rain pours. Caine finds a dry spot under
the eaves, leans against the wall and lights a cigarette.
The lighter flares, briefly illuminating three forms -- The
Dealer and the two Thugs from the parlor -- emerging from the
darkness.
CAINE
...Guess I'm not that lucky.
A fist hits him in the gut. He doubles over. A blow to the
head sends him reeling against the wall. A leg sweep sends
him to the pavement.
Caine makes not effort to defend himself. He smiles through
the pain as blows rain down him.
The Dealer grabs him by the hair.
THE DEALER
You have something that belongs to
me.
Caine... LAUGHS. The Dealer... hits him with the gun. The
Thugs join in, beating and kicking Caine who's on his knees.
Caine holds up a hand. He's done.
CAINE
Here.
He reaches into his jacket and pulls out a brick of bills.
CAINE (CONT'D)
Take it.
A Thug takes the cash and hands it to The Dealer who runs a
thumb over it. The Dealer... nods and a Thug kicks Caine. The
second joins in. The Dealer hits him!
A blow sends Caine reeling, the force of the impact knocks
the LOCKET from Caine's pocket.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 12B.
He hears it clattering across wet pavement; lunges for it,
hands trying to find it.
Caine's fingers brush against the chain and he draws the
locket towards him.
The Thug's alligator skin cowboy boot grinds down on Caine's
hand, pressing it against the locket and the pavement.
CAINE (CONT'D)
Don't.
The Thug hesitates, glancing at The Dealer who... nods. The
Thug reaches for the locket. As his fingers brush against the
worn nickel, Caine shifts his weight, freeing his hand.
Fingers wrap around The Thug's ankle. CRACK! Bone snaps and
The Thug falls, howling as Caine pulls the man's boot off.
The Second Thug produces a straight razor and lunges for
Caine who uses the boot as weapon, breaking the man's elbow
and jaw. He falls.
The Dealer draws a cheap .38. Caine focuses on the sound. The
.38 arcs and Caine uses the boot as a tomahawk, wrapping the
man's wrist up with it, then driving the heel into the man's
mouth. He falls to his knees, spitting teeth.
The Dealer, on his knees, stares up at Caine who now holds
the .38 against the man's forehead with his right hand and
holds his left hand out, palm up.
A frozen moment and Caine... snaps the cylinder open. Bullets
clatter to the pavement.
CAINE (CONT'D)
Go.
A beat and The Dealer gets up and runs.
Caine stands there, defeated in victory; deflated.
CHIDI
You should have killed them.
Caine ignores Chidi... turns, feet sliding over the pavement.
He finds the locket, retrieves it. Starts to walk away.
CHIDI (CONT'D)
You've been summoned.
Caine stops. This is specific word and it means something
more to Caine.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 13.
24 EXT. PARIS / PALAIS MARQIS DE GRAMONT - NIGHT 24
Massive. Gilded. Imposing. Puts Versailles to shame.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 14.
25 INT. PARIS / PALAIS MARQUIS DE GRAMONT / DINING ROOM - EARLY
25
MORNING
ANGLE ON Caine -- damp, face caked in blood, standing in the
majestic space. His body sways slightly. Chidi stands
directly behind him.
The Marquis sits alone at the head of a very long formal
dining table some distance away. The silence hangs there.
THE MARQUIS
Coffee?
Caine teeters and retches. Bile spatters the marble floor.
Chidi steps back reflexively. Caine wipes spittle from his
chin.
CAINE
...Tea, please.
The Marquis nods. Servants enter. Cups are poured. Caine
accepts his tea with a nod. Both men wait for the other to
speak. Finally:
THE MARQUIS
I have a name for you.
Caine tenses as A VALET approaches with an IVORY TRAY; holds
it out to Caine. On the tray is a BLACK ENVELOPE. Caine does
not take it.
CAINE
...Respectfully, I am retired.
THE MARQUIS
I disagree.
CAINE
I am no longer of use to you or The
Table.
THE MARQUIS
I am amused that you think that is
for you to decide.
A long moment. This is a battle of wills.
CAINE
...You should find someone else.
Caine nods respect. Carefully places the cup on the saucer
that rests on the tray. Turns to go.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 14A.
THE MARQUIS
You got close today.
Suddenly Caine if very still.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
Too close. You put her in danger.
CAINE
(flat and hard)
I know the deal I made.
THE MARQUIS
Do you?
An painfully long moment of silence... This is a battle of
wills and Caine knows he's already lost. He reaches for the
Valet's tray.
Fingers find the envelope. He takes a deep breath and breaks
the wax seal; removes a heavy gold trimmed black card marked
with brail. His fingers run over the letters... stop at the
last.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
A former associate, I believe.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 15.
CAINE
...He was... a friend.
The Marquis surveys Caine for a beat almost as though he
understands that he is engaged in a silent battle of wills
with a man who doesn't know how to bend.
THE MARQUIS
Your agreement with The Table is as
it has been: we give you a name,
you give us a life, or we take one.
The threat hangs there.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
Tell me you understand.
Caine... drops to one knee.
CAINE
...I have served. I will be of
service.
THE MARQUIS
Excellent. I assume you have a
notion of where he might be.
CAINE
...John Wick has few friends
remaining in this world. And even
fewer he trusts with his life.
A slight smile forms on The Marquis' lips.
25A EXT. PARIS / STREET - NIGHT 25A
An old and run down movie theatre, it's billboard proudly
presenting Buster Keaton's The General. Laughter washes over
us.
25B INT. PARIS / MOVIE THEATRE - NIGHT 25B
A fuzzy reel on a big screen. Keaton pulling off an
impossible stunt. A dozen FILM BUFFS scattered around the
theater. A few laugh.
Caine, who is making his way across the back of the theatre,
pauses.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 15A.
25C INT. PARIS / MOVIE THEATRE / PROJECTION ROOM - NIGHT 25C
Film runs through the old fashioned projector. A rectangular
beam of light emanates from the lens. THE PROJECTIONIST -- an
old and wizened Frenchman with a cigarette, thick glasses,
and a black beret, looks up as Caine enters.
ANGLE ON a shelf of film canisters. The Projectionist pulls a
canister down, lays it on the table and walks out.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 16.
A beat and Caine opens it to reveal a folded tailored suit, a
titanium alloy cane with an ornately sculpted handle, a row
of gold coins, a Glock G44 22 LR, with tactical shoulder
holster rig and magazines, flashbang grenades, and a half
dozen small motion sensors...
Caine's fingers run over the box's contents. They find the
cane. He lifts it... pulls on the handle, half drawing the
razor sharp sword. Laughter echoes from the cinema and Caine
roars in rage and frustration, slamming the sword back in its
scabbard!
He stands there for a moment... pulls a flask from his
jacket, unscrews the cap, brings it to his lips... and pours
the liquid out onto the floor.
25D EXT. OSAKA - NIGHT 25D
Establishing: An aerial view of Osaka's downtown with its
bright strobe lights and giant billboards; a miasma of color
and cacophonous sound.
OSAKA
26 EXT. OSAKA / DOWNTOWN - NIGHT 26
Bright strobe lights flash on a giant billboard. An
advertisement. Japanese text. PAN DOWN. More billboards. More
advertisements. More colors. Sounds now. Discordant; the kind
you hear in a crowded city. At street level now, people
walking by billboards. Spray painted on a billboard, and
partially lost in the pattern, is a HOBO SYMBOL.
REVERSE TO a BELGIAN MALINOIS sitting on the sidewalk, dark
eyes locked on the symbol.
PULL BACK to reveal a MAN (30), standing next to the dog,
taking in the symbol. He... smiles.
THE TRACKER
Gotcha.
There's a little twinkle in his eye that suggests he's
laughing at a joke; which is just lovely until you figure out
the joke's on you.
This is THE TRACKER and the dog is THE TRACKER'S TRACKING
DOG.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 16A.
27 EXT. OSAKA / OSAKA STREET - NIGHT 27
Down a street, the dog's ears are back now, confident, like
he's got a scent, off the curb and into traffic... ignoring
honking cars... The dog stops, eyes locked on massive ONYX
DOORS flanked by two Japanese DOORMEN.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 17.
Above them, rising twenty stories into the night sky, is the
Osaka Continental.
ANOTHER ANGLE TO INCLUDE The Tracker.
28 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / LOBBY - NIGHT 28
Floor to ceiling windows offer 360 degree views of Osaka from
on high. The Tracker, the Malinois next to him, stands in the
middle of the elegant lobby as guests and Geishas and servers
with champagne and hors d'oeuvres pass by.
His phone -- old school flip phone -- buzzes. He checks it.
We catch a glimpse of a large number: $18 million... that
snaps to $20 million.
He whistles under his breath and glances at the dog who's
looking at him with interest.
THE TRACKER
(under his breath)
Getting there.
He pulls a well-worn NOTEBOOK from his pocket and, with the
stub of a pencil, makes a notation. The pages are filled with
hand-written notes, symbols (HOBO SYMBOLS are prominent),
sketches (John Wick), flowcharts and Venn diagrams
(family/relationship trees with lines leading to Winston, The
Ruska Roma, Osaka, etc.)
AKIRA (O.S.)
I'm afraid this facility doesn't
allow animals.
ANGLE ON AKIRA -- sleek suit, leather folder under her arm,
perhaps a touch young for her position as concierge --
standing behind The Tracker, her form reflected in a glass
case.
THE TRACKER
You should tell her that.
Akira glances to the side. A WOMAN wearing a massive fur coat
and hat, trailed by two laden-down bellboys, passes by.
AKIRA
Meaning your pet, sir.
The Tracker, intrigued by the scrolls set behind glass
doesn't look back.
THE TRACKER
Emotional support animal.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 18.
AKIRA
She's your support animal?
THE TRACKER
Other way around: I'm her's.
AKIRA
...Does she bite?
THE TRACKER
Only when she's hungry.
Akira eyes The Tracker... A SERVER passes by with small and
delicate appetizers. She takes one and offers it to the dog
whose ears drop and muscles tense. It's about to lunge when
the Tracker's hand GRABS her wrist, fast. She looks at him,
hard and he looks right back at her. This was a test and The
Tracker and his dog failed.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
She's always hungry.
The Tracker releases her wrist and lays a gold coin in her
palm. Akira eyes it.
Motion catches her eye: A Japanese man we'll come to know by
the name of SHIMAZU (50s) strolling through the lobby. A
slight hitch in his step speaks to battles fought, a scar,
just visible on his neck, to mistakes made, and the deference
granted by all around him, to the respect he's earned.
AKIRA
She stays in your room.
THE TRACKER
Of course.
The Tracker watches her as she moves to intercept Shimazu.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
Can't take you anywhere.
With that, The Tracker puts the food between his teeth and
offers it to the dog who rises on her hind legs and gently
takes it.
29 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / LOBBY - NIGHT 29
Akira paces up to walk beside Shimazu. As they move across
the lobby, passing the bar and the Exhibition hall, by staff
and patrons, their tone, volume and even language shifts.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 19.
SHIMAZU
There's a dog in my lobby.
AKIRA
Emotional support animal.
SHIMAZU
Of course it is.
She hands him the folder. He flips it open, scanning it as
they walk.
AKIRA
Tomorrow's schedule: Mr. Suzuki at
Eleven, the Tarasov's are
requesting an audience at Two--
SHIMAZU
What's this at Eight?
AKIRA
Dinner with your daughter. She's
concerned that you've been working
too hard.
Shimazu hands her back the folder as he and Akira head up a
flight of stairs.
SHIMAZU
What must I have done to deserve
such a considerate child?
AKIRA
Good karma, I suppose.
SHIMAZU
Indeed. And how are our guests?
AKIRA
Some of our "gold" club members are
anxious.
The two emerge on the EXHIBITION HALL level.
SHIMAZU
It's always something.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 20.
30 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / EXHIBITION HALL - NIGHT 30
A large and open space cut up by a series of glass partitions
housing an assortment of museum grade weapons and armor --
mostly Japanese, some from surrounding regions, including
nunchaku -- as well as scrolls -- pressed between panels. As
they continue to walk:
AKIRA
Today it's New York.
Shimazu exchanges a small bow with a guest admiring the glass
encased art.
SHIMAZU
And my concierge?
AKIRA
Concerned.
SHIMAZU
Perhaps we should get you an
emotional support animal.
He shakes his head as he smiles at a European guest.
AKIRA
(Japanese)
...Should we be worried?
SHIMAZU
We've done nothing to offend The
Table.
AKIRA
The Table seems to decide that for
themselves.
SHIMAZU
Work must be light for you to be so
focused on events a world away.
AKIRA
Your past relationship with Mr.
Wick is no secret. The Table will
come.
SHIMAZU
And will be met with our grace.
AKIRA
Everything he touches dies.
Shimazu stops, turns his gaze on her
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 21.
SHIMAZU
(Japanese)
Don't presume to tell me about a
man I've known longer than you've
been alive.
Akira holds his gaze for a moment... bows.
AKIRA
Forgive me... Father.
And now we realize that Akira is Shimazu's daughter.
Shimazu... nods and angles for a side door. She turns to go.
SHIMAZU
Akira. Please tell my daughter that
I look forward to our dinner.
Akira smiles a small smile.
31 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / KITCHEN - NIGHT 31
Shimazu moves through the bustling hotel kitchen: cooks,
servers... and two SUMO sized men standing guard. They nod
respect as he passes between them.
A score of hard looking Japanese men in gray suits, white
shirts, open collars, irezumi tattoos visible at necks and
cuff lines are scattered around this part of the kitchen --
watching TV, playing cards, etc. Call them Shimazu's
RETAINERS.
As Shimazu passes an older, Senior Retainer stationed at the
bottom of a flight of stairs:
SHIMAZU
I'm not to be disturbed.
The man inclines his head as Shimazu heads up the stairs.
32 EXT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / ROOFTOP GARDEN - NIGHT 32
Doors open and Shimazu steps onto the rooftop's manicured
garden: a stone path, a water feature, Japanese cherry trees,
all framed by Osaka's neon glow.
As Shimazu rounds a bend, a lone figure, in silhouette,
gazing out over Osaka, comes into view.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 22.
SHIMAZU
(Japanese; sarcastic)
So, you must finally have found
your peace...
A worn and weary John Wick turns, taking in Shimazu.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
...Apparently not. Killing the
Elder was a mistake, my friend.
Shimazu motions John towards a small and elegant tea table --
tea set, kettle, burner, two chairs -- set on the garden
beneath a cherry tree.
This is an invitation to sit and a gesture of respect.
John... accepts and moves to the table, bowing slightly
before he sits - also a gesture of respect. There is a
closeness between these two that transcends time and place;
the kind that's hard earned and life long. Shimazu sits, then
pours the water into the tea pot...
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
Their response was the destruction
of the New York Continental.
John takes Shimazu in as he pours two cups, offering one to
John.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
My daughter fears we are next.
Shimazu raises his cup. John does the same. They drink.
Carefully place the cups down.
JOHN
Winston?
SHIMAZU
Alive. But they executed his
concierge. To prove a point.
This hits John hard.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
Have you given any thought to where
this ends?
John simply looks at Shimazu, unwilling or unable to answer.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
The Table will never stop. You know
this. It only takes life. And only
gives death.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 23.
JOHN
(stands)
My apologies for having troubled
you.
SHIMAZU
The only thing that would trouble
me is your leaving before you
finish your tea.
John eyes Shimazu. Shimazu, for his part, takes John in --
the fatigue, the wounds...
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
When was the last time you slept?
John's look tells him that it's been a while.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
...I will have a room prepared.
John takes Shimazu in and Shimazu knows what he's thinking.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
Friendship means little when its
convenient. If they come, they
come.
(motions John to sit)
Until then...
33 EXT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL - NIGHT 33
Caine -- clean shaven, fresh haircut, tailored suit -- stands
in front of the hotel, blind eyes locked on the obsidian
doors. Chidi steps into frame. Arrayed around him are a group
of SIX MYRMIDONS, each wearing the Marquis' Fleur de Lis pin.
CAINE
It would be best if I went alone.
CHIDI
For who -- the blind drunk or the
traitor?
CAINE
For you.
Chidi looks at Caine with contempt and heads up the hotel
stairs, Myrmidons in tow as, behind them, a black tactical
bus rolls by, turning into the hotel's underground parking
structure.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 23A.
A beat and Caine pulls the locket from his pocket, runs his
thumb over.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 24.
34 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / LOBBY - NIGHT 34
Akira is at the front desk when the elevator doors open and
Chidi and the Myrmidons enter. A half dozen Myrmidons spread
out -- like any other guest -- some making their way to the
bar, others meandering through the lobby.
The Tracker, enjoying a steak at the bar... smiles as Chidi,
alone, approaches Akira who is at her desk.
CHIDI
The Manager.
Akira looks up. The professional smile freezes on her face
when she sees the small Fleur de Lis pin on his jacket.
Then quickly and professionally, she makes the Myrmidons
spread out in the lobby and bar.
AKIRA
...Of course. Please make yourself
comfortable.
She heads out. The Tracker raises a finger, beckoning the
hostess:
THE TRACKER
Check.
Then he cuts his steak in half and offers the half to his dog
who wolfs it down.
35 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / ROOFTOP GARDEN - NIGHT 35
SHIMAZU
I want you to find your peace,
John, but the only path this leads
to is death.
JOHN
We all die.
SHIMAZU
Is that what you want?... Certainly
killing the spiritual head of The
High Table is a unique way of going
about it.
JOHN
I'm going to kill them all.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 25.
SHIMAZU
(laughs)
I believe you'll try. But no one,
not even you, can kill everyone.
He reaches for an elegant cabinet, opens it, pulls out a
bottle of Yamazaki 25 and pours to glasses. Offers one to
John.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
You can't outrun time and bullets.
All you can hope for is that when
it's your time, you've done more
good than harm. You want to die? So
be it. That's your choice. But a
good death only comes after a good
life.
JOHN
You and I left a good life behind a
long time ago.
John raises his glass. Shimazu studies John for a beat. He's
not wrong. He raises his. They're about to drink when Akira
rounds the path.
AKIRA
The Table. They're here--
She stops mid sentence when she sees John. Before she can
react, Shimazu's glare freezes her. Her gaze flits between
the men.
AKIRA (CONT'D)
What is he doing here--
SHIMAZU
(standing to leave)
Mr. Wick is our guest.
Everything he needs to say to her is encapsulated in that one
word: "guest." She knows not to question it.
John stands.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
No. They don't know you're here. So
long as that's the case, they won't
move against us. I will talk to
them.
(to Akira)
Stay with Mr. Wick.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 26.
Shimazu strides out. Akira glares hate at John. She doesn't
know him but she knows the consequence of his being here.
35A OMITTED 35A
36 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / LOBBY - NIGHT 36
Shimazu appears from a door behind the front counter and
heads for Chidi. As he approaches:
SHIMAZU
Welcome to the Osaka Continental,
gentlemen. How may I be of service?
CHIDI
The Table has reason to believe
that this facility is providing
services ut qui excommunicantur.
SHIMAZU
That is a grave accusation.
CHIDI
We will require full access.
SHIMAZU
Of course.
Chidi eyes Shimazu, then takes a step--
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
But as you are well aware, no
business -- not even your kind of
business -- may be conducted on
Continental grounds. So I'm going
to have to ask you to surrender
your firearms.
CHIDI
We speak for The Marquis.
SHIMAZU
And I speak for Osaka. Your guns,
please.
CHIDI
Don't repeat the mistake that fool
in New York made.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 27.
SHIMAZU
Fools talk, cowards are silent, but
wise men--
CAINE (O.S.)
--listen.
Shimazu, recognizing the voice, turns to face Caine who has
silently entered the lobby and is focused on Chidi:
CAINE (CONT'D)
Which one will you be today? Hello
old friend,
Caine nods respect to Shimazu.
SHIMAZU
So good of you to visit after all
these years. If I'd known, I would
have better prepared.
CAINE
Unfortunately, the result would be
the same.
SHIMAZU
You're with them now.
CAINE
No.
SHIMAZU
...Your daughter, Mia?
Caine... nods and Shimazu understands that Caine is not here
of his own volition.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
How is she?
CAINE
Alive. And your daughter, Akira?
SHIMAZU
Well.
CAINE
I'm glad.
The two old friends share a moment. Neither wants to be here,
and neither wants to fight the other.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 27A.
CAINE (CONT'D)
This doesn't have to end with
blood.
SHIMAZU
(to Chidi)
Then leave.
CAINE
No one defies The Table. I remember
a time when you understood that.
SHIMAZU
And I remember a time when you
understood the meaning of
brotherhood.
This bites Caine. This is a man trapped between what he knows
is right and what he must do.
CAINE
I haven't forgotten. But we all
serve The Table...
Shimazu's eyes move to one of the BELLBOYS -- one with an
earbud visible in his ear. The man makes a subtle sign with
one hand: a code... Shimazu knows the High Table Soldiers are
already in his building.
CAINE (CONT'D)
Tell us where Mr. Wick is and
perhaps you can save a life.
SHIMAZU
You think coming into my home and
threatening my daughter makes me
more willing to comply?
CAINE
I'm not threatening her; I'm trying
to save her.
In that moment, we understand that both these men are
fighting for the same thing in different ways.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 28.
CHIDI
Enough! By order of the Marquis de
Gramont, this hotel has been
deconsecrated. Step aside.
Shimazu turns his icy and unflinching gaze on Chidi, then
glances at the Bellboy who utters a command.
A score of Shimazu's Retainers armed with bows and arrows
appear from behind the mezzanine railings even as Bellboys
and Doormen hit and kick pieces of furniture and counters.
Hidden compartments snap open revealing bladed weapons.
Within seconds, all are armed.
CAINE
(to Shimazu)
Don't do this.
Shimazu eyes Caine... then turns his gaze on Chidi.
SHIMAZU
I won't ask again: leave now.
Caine hears it all and knows what this means. He shakes his
head ever so slightly--
CAINE
I'm sorry.
Caine turns and walks away.
CHIDI
(to Myrmidons)
...Remove Mr. Shimazu.
Two Myrmidons step forward. As the first's hand touches
Shimazu's wrist, Shimazu breaks it. Then, eyes on Chidi, he
utters a single word:
SHIMAZU
Ute!
Archers lose their arrows. Most stick in the Myrmidon's
Kevlar lined suits: one in Chidi's shoulder, three in the
chest of particularly large Myrmidon, etc. One arrow slides
over a Myrmidon's collar and through his throat. He goes
down, gurgling blood.
Chidi eyes the dying Myrmidon without emotion. He breaks the
arrow stuck in his arm off. The big Myrmidon shatters three
shafts with a sweep of his arm. Others pull the arrows out.
CHIDI
...Tuez-les tous.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 29.
The Myrmidons go to guns and blades as Shimazu and his men
engage; Shimazu catching a thrown sword even as Chidi draws
his cut down lever action .45.
Shimazu's faster! The blade's coming down on Chidi's hand
when Caine's sword, drawn from the cane, blocks it!
Bullets and shafts cut through the lobby as men fight in ones
and twos.
Men and projectiles cut between Shimazu and Caine, separating
them. Shimazu cuts a Myrmidon down, lops off the hand of
another as two of Shimazu's men attack Caine! His sword is a
blur slicing one man's throat and gutting the second as Chidi
shoots two more.
As men drop, Shimazu pulls away, exiting the way he came.
Chidi pans, searching for him... turns to a Myrmidon:
CHIDI (CONT'D)
Seal the hotel. Find John Wick.
37 OMITTED 37
37A INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / STAIRWELL - NIGHT 37A
The High Table Soldiers move up the stairwells...
38 OMITTED 38
39 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / ROOFTOP GARDEN - NIGHT 39
John looks out over the city. Akira is a dozen feet away,
looking in a different direction.
AKIRA
(Japanese)
You have no right to be here.
John turns his head, taking her in.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 30.
AKIRA (CONT'D)
If they find you here, The Table
will kill my father. Me. Everyone.
Because you broke the rules. You
shouldn't have come.
A beat and John focuses on two approaching Retainers. They
stop at Akira. One whispers in her ear. She turns to John:
AKIRA (CONT'D)
Do you have a weapon?
John looks at her, then past her into the darkness. A shadow
moves within a shadow.
THWACK! THWACK! Flash suppressed rounds slam into the two
Retainers as John draws his gun fires!
Akira bangs her fist against the tea table. A drawer slides
open to reveal a bow and arrows. In one smooth motion, she
grabs the bow and four shafts and looses arrows. Two find
their mark as she and John, weapons lined, close the distance
on a High Table Tactical team as cherry blossoms rain down on
them, surreal in the city's neon glow.
When it's done, seven High Table Soldiers are dead.
AKIRA (CONT'D)
This way.
She angles for a side door in the rooftop's circular
structure, pushes it open to reveal a circular staircase.
39A INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / CIRCULAR STAIRCASE - NIGHT
39A
John and Akira head down as a Tactical Team comes up.
Contact. Shots exchanged. High Table Soldiers are dropped.
Two levels down, Akira pushes through another door. She and
John step into the Mezzanine level.
39B INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / MEZZANINE LEVEL - NIGHT 39B
Motion ahead. Akira raises her bow. John puts a hand on it as
Shimazu, with three of his men, appear from a corner. The two
groups meet and move together towards the escalators. As they
walk.
SHIMAZU
They'll be covering the front and
back. Get out the way you came.
(MORE)
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 31.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
From there it's a half mile to
Umeda station.
JOHN
I'll stay.
SHIMAZU
Do not insult my gift to you.
John... nods. The escalators loom ahead. Then motion. High
Table Soldiers.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
And John. Do me a small courtesy:
(Japanese)
kill as many as you can.
JOHN
Osu.
And contact as High Table Soldiers come at the group from
multiple angles. John cuts a half dozen down, Akira and
Shimazu the rest.
Then they split, Shimazu and Akira, with his remaining men
down the hall, and John angling towards the exhibition hall.
40 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / KITCHEN - NIGHT 40
Gunfire rocks the kitchen. Plates and glasses shatter,
containers of rice spill out as High Table soldiers and
Shimazu's men fire on each other. Arrows push the soldiers
back.
ANGLE ON Chidi, his back to the wall in the hall just outside
the kitchen as more arrows slam into the wall. Caine is next
to him, along with a half dozen Myrmidons and Solders.
Chidi nods to a solider who opens an electrical panel and
turns off the breaker. Lights turn off, casting the kitchen
in to semi-darkness, the only illumination coming from
abandoned gas burners, flames throwing long shadows on the
walls.
CHIDI
Earn your keep, blind man.
Caine inclines his head, tracking for sound: a Retainers foot
sliding across spilled rice, another pulling a bowstring
taught, a bead of sweat falling from another's chin... and he
moves, gun firing and sword a blur.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 32.
Cuts down the closest retainers and slides laterally down an
aisle, pulling small motion sensors (some magnetized some
with an adhesive backing)from his jacket and clamping them
onto surfaces.
As Retainers move to attack him, they break the infrared
beams and the sensors ding. Caine keys on that sound and
moves. In this enclosed environment, with its low light,
Caine can effectively see behind him and around corners.
As he gets between Retainers, he affixes a motion sensor to
one's back. As the man moves, the sensor dings on his fellow
Retainers and Caine strikes!
Retainers fall. Caine's blade stops a half inch from a COOK
who's holding a cleaver up... Caine moves on.
In moments all that remain are the Sumos. One of the Sumos
roars and charges Caine who drops to one knee and slices the
Sumo's left leg. The man tumbles, arteries spewing blood.
The second Sumo roars and attacks. Caine's sword is a blur,
punching into the front of his neck and out the back. The big
man falls. Silence. Then the lights snap back on and Chidi
strides in.
As he passes by Caine, Caine blocks his path with a bloody
sword. His contempt for Chidi is evident in every syllable.
CAINE
These men didn't need to die.
Chidi eyes the sword and the blood stain on his suit. Pushes
the sword away. To his men:
CHIDI
Find him!
He pulls away, sliding a bucket in front of Caine as he
passes.
41 INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / EXHIBITION HALLS - NIGHT 41
John moves through the Exhibition Hall -- weapons displays,
art, light, etc. Figures appear up ahead, flittering through
exhibits. High Table Soldiers.
He drops one, two, three, four! Out. Reloads and repeats--
never pausing, always moving -- drops five, six! Clicks
empty. Is reloading when a Myrmidon hits him bodily, driving
him through a series of display cases.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 32A.
Glass shatters and weapons clatter to the floor. John's hands
find cruelly curved long knives as the Myrmidon closes.
They're a blur as they cut the man to pieces. He drops.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 33.
More appear. John throws one knife, another, a spear. Grabs a
bow and fires! Breaks the bow on an attackers face.
Rolls away as another fires on him, grabbing a pair of
nunchaku as he regains his feet and lays into the Soldier,
breaking his arm first, then his neck. Shattering another's
helmet. Braining another. Breaking the nunchaku on yet
another's ballistic breast plate, and driving the shattered
handle into another's eye.
As the man falls, John grabs a wakizashi and guts the last
two Soldiers.
Bodies thump to the glass littered floor. John picks up one
of the men's weapons, checks the load, holsters it, is
turning when he freezes!
The soft sound of the song from Caine's locket echoes.
CAINE
John
JOHN
Caine.
A beat and Caine steps out of the shadow of an exhibit about
ten yards from John, blocking his exit.
JOHN (CONT'D)
...They gave you my name.
CAINE
I'm afraid so.
JOHN
I'm sorry.
CAINE
...Me too.
And both draw and fire! Caine moving laterally, John diving
for cover as more exhibits shatter.
John ends up with his back to a large rectangular glass case.
Looks for Caine who's lost in shadow. John does a quick
tactical check of his magazine. He's light. He's looking for
an exit when he hears glass sliding. Hazards a look.
Caine approaches, gun in his right hand, drawn sword in his
left, wrists crossed for stability and gun control. The
sword's tip touches the glass case, scrapes against it as he
approaches.
Which is when John sees Caine's blind eyes. He didn't know.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 33A.
JOHN
You took a deal.
CAINE
Same as you.
JOHN
Family?
CAINE
Family.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 34.
John tries to move away. Glass shifts under his feet. He
ducks down as Caine's blade comes around the corner. Caine
passes by John who stands. Crunch! Caine's sword shifts,
cutting in front of him, freezing John who can't get his gun
lined. A frozen moment, then:
CAINE (CONT'D)
You should have stayed out... For
all our sakes.
JOHN
...I tried.
CAINE
Did you?
Caine swings the sword and pivots, firing, even as John
rotates, firing. Both miss but John's off balance. A blow
sends him reeling. A kick propels him through an exhibit,
shattering it.
John rolls as Caine's sword slams down where his head had
been. He grabs a katana from the floor as he regains his
feet, turning in time to block Caine's attack. Weapons are a
blur as the two men dance over broken glass, the impacts bone
jarring and teeth rattling. Caine pivots, swinging the cane
low and sweeping John's legs out from under him.
Caine closes, sliding around John's attack, cutting John
across the shoulder! More blows exchanged, fast. Caine's
sword grazes John's neck and a line of blood paints the
floor. Caine is dismantling John. John lunges for Caine,
trying to get inside, which is a mistake. Caine wraps John's
arm up, drawing him in even as he draws his Glock and presses
it against John's heart,
Caine pulls the trigger--
--CLICK!
Caine's magazine falls to the ground even as John pushes on
the Glock's slide, releasing the chambered round.
A frozen moment as the two, heads close, "look" at one
another. Caine shifts his weight, sending John reeling. On
his back, John grabs a wakizashi. Caine cuts it in half.
Caine is closing on John when--
BANG! A shot rings out, hitting a glass tower. It sheers and
shattered glass tumbles through the hall!
Caine, disoriented, moves for cover as John looks for the
source of the incoming fire.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 35.
HIS POV: The outline of a dog and a man on the balcony on the
opposite side of the hall.
John gets up and runs.
Caine hears it, moves to intercept but bullets rain down,
forcing him back.
41A INT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / EXHIBITION HALL / BALCONY -
41A
NIGHT
The Tracker pulls back and runs, the dog at his heels.
42 EXT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / HALLWAY - NIGHT 42
Shimazu and Akira moving down the exterior hallway. A door
looms ahead.
43 EXT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / BAMBOO GROVE - NIGHT 43
A door opens and John pushes out of a doorway into the bamboo
grove.
Motion all around as he enters the bamboo, angling for the
back gate.
CRANE UP: John seen from above. High Table Soldiers and
Myrmidons all around, searching.
ANGLE ON John, as he comes around a stand of bamboo, kills
one High Table Soldier. Another. Clicks empty. Kills another
with his bare hands. He's reaching for the dead man's gun
when he sees the Fleur de Lis pin on his vest. John tears it
off, regards it as--
--behind him, High Table Soldiers emerge from the shadows.
One has a bead on John. Another.
A pile of bamboo leaves shifts! Before John can process what,
the Malinois springs forth in a blur of motion and leaps,
hitting the closest Soldier, jaws closing on the man's throat
as they go down. Heads and guns turn to the dog--
THWACK! THWACK!THWACK!
Three High Table Soldiers drop instantly.
John swings around, stops. The Tracker is there, rifle slung
over his back, tied down Colt 45 at his hip.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 35A.
John thinks about raising his weapon and the Tracker draws!
This man isn't fast, he's lightning fast.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 36.
THE TRACKER
God damn, Mr. Wick, this is quite
the mess you've made.
JOHN
I don't know you.
THE TRACKER
But I know you.
John focuses on a tattoo just visible on The Tracker's
forearm: the amalgam of a skull and a paw, with bones and "K-
9" beneath; the mark of a Special Forces dog handler. Above
it is another tattoo, this of the Special Forces Combat
Tracking and Coutertracking Group.
JOHN
Tracker.
(off The Tracker's smile)
...How much?
The Tracker pulls the flip phone from its belt clip, checks
it. The number is... going up.
THE TRACKER
Not enough... but getting there.
Footfalls crunch over dried brush. High Table Soldiers.
The Tracker fires right over both of John's shoulders!
The Soldiers drop, holes in their heads. More are coming.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
Please take better care of
yourself, John. We're in this
together now...
John's eyes follows The Tracker as he disappears into shadow,
the dog padding after him.
John heads for the back gate -- a heavy duty gate with an old
fashioned lock. John slides the lock to the side to reveal a
keypad. He punches in a code. The locking mechanism
disengages and he pushes the door open and steps into Osaka.
44 EXT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / SHRINE - NIGHT 44
Simple and elegant -- altar, urns, gravel, hanging chimes, a
bridge spanning a tranquil pool that glows with reflected
light.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 37.
A Myrmidon's body crashes into frame, an arrow through his
head.
PULL BACK to Akira as she fires arrow after arrow, driving
shafts through helmets and body armor, pinning attackers to
columns and walls.
Arrows spent, she runs at an attacker, swinging the bow. The
impact shatters the man's face and the bow. She draws two
knives and rolls as a Myrmidon fires, regains her feet and
slashes the man's throat. A second is turning on her when she
slams a knife into his temple.
Another gets a bead on her. She throws a knife right into his
throat, runs, pulling it out as he falls, rolling between a
big Myrmidon's legs and slicing his crotch!
Simultaneously, Shimazu weaves between columns as a Myrmidon
tries to shoot him. Suddenly, he is UP CLOSE on the Myrmidon.
Now we see what this man can do with his bare hands.
In the close quarters of this combat, the Myrmidon's
advantage is lost. Shimazu unleashes two strikes -- solar
plexus and throat -- and the man crumples to the ground.
He turns in time to see a Myrmidon grappling with Akira. The
big man's choking the life out of her when Shimazu cuts his
throat.
He helps his daughter up. They turn to cross the bride...
stop.
Caine stands at the far end, blocking their path.
Akira, cut and bleeding, moves before Shimazu can stop her,
sprinting at Caine. She goes airborne, knife held high. Last
second, Caine shifts his weight. She misses him, lands, rolls
to her feet, leans forward to attack--
SHIMAZU
NO!
She freezes. Caine focuses on Shimazu who approaches.
CAINE
Tell me where he is.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 38.
Shimazu doesn't bother responding. He simply draws his
katana, discards the scabbard and raises the sword over his
head. Caine, completely still, nods sadly as though he
expected this answer. He shifts his weight, senses locked on
Shimazu.
And they move, blades flashes TWICE, so quick the movement is
nearly imperceptible. A beat--
--and Shimazu FALLS TO HIS KNEES. BLOOD dripping from a
wounds and puddling on the platform.
AKIRA
...No.
SHIMAZU
(to Akira)
Don't!
This freezes Akira. Shimazu struggles to his feet.
CAINE
Stay down.
SHIMAZU
You know I can't.
Caine shakes his head at the futility of it all as Shimazu
rises... attacks. Blades flash. Shimazu's sword clatters away
and he drops to one knee as blood blossoms from a shoulder
wound. He's reaching for his sword when Caine's foot clamps
down on Shimazu's right wrist.
Caine's blade drops, severing Shimazu's right thumb from his
hand. Blood flows from the stump.
Akira tenses. A look from Shimazu freezes her.
Shimazu reaches for his sword with his left hand now. Face
pale and glistening with sweat, he rises once again.
CAINE
Koji. Please. Think of your
daughter.
SHIMAZU
...I am.
Caine nods understanding. These men, like John Wick, are born
from the same furnace, molded by the same tools and tempered
with the same training. Both men know full well how this
ends. Shimazu raises his sword.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 38A.
SHIMAZU (CONT'D)
...Consequences.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 39.
CAINE
...Rules.
Shimazu swings. Caine's sword is a blur. Shimazu's head
separates from his body and Shimazu falls!
Akira stares--
AKIRA
NO!
She lunges forward. Caine's sword tip moves to her throat,
stopping her. His hand quivers ever so slightly and we
realize the pain Shimazu's death caused and will continue to
cause him. Though he could kill Akira, he won't.
CAINE
Don't die. Live to remember your
father.
Akira stares at Caine for a long moment... tears herself
away, backs away... disappearing into the night.
We stay with Caine for a beat as he kneels by his old friend,
finding the katana, placing it over Shimazu's chest. He
closes his eyes and mutters a prayer for a dead friend.
44A OMITTED 44A *
45 INT. OSAKA / UMEDA TRAIN STATION / PLATFORM - NIGHT 45 *
John makes his way through the all by deserted platform *
towards a waiting train. *
46 INT. OSAKA / TRAIN - NIGHT 46
John steps into the train car. Looks left. Empty. Then right. *
Akira has just entered from the opposite side of the car. She *
says nothing and in that moment John knows Shimazu is dead. *
A beat and John makes his way to a seat. Sits. *
Doors close and the train glides away from the platform as *
she approaches John. *
AKIRA
...Who is he?
John doesn't answer. She lines a gun on his head. He doesn't
flinch.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 39A.
AKIRA (CONT'D)
WHO IS HE?
John looks right down the barrel of the gun.
JOHN
...He was a friend.
AKIRA
My father is dead because of you! I
want a name! *
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 40.
JOHN
...Caine.
A beat and she lowers the gun, sits heavily in the seat *
opposite John on the other side of the aisle. She's mourning *
and defeated and angry. *
AKIRA *
He was here for you. Because of *
what you did. *
John takes her in. Doesn't answer. She's right and he knows *
it. He turns his head away and looks out the window. *
JOHN *
Let it go. *
She raises her head, tear streaked eyes burning into John who *
is now looking directly at her. *
JOHN (CONT'D) *
What you're thinking right now, let *
it go. *
The train's intercom chimes. The train slows as the automated *
voice indicates the next stop. *
AKIRA *
...I can't. *
John deflates just a bit. Akira rises, walks to the doors. *
They hiss open. *
AKIRA (CONT'D)
Either you kill him or I will.
JOHN
...I understand.
She eyes him for a beat, then: *
AKIRA *
Goodbye, Mr. Wick.
She steps out, leaving John alone with his demons. *
Doors close. *
A beat and John opens his hand. Resting in his palm is the *
FLEUR DE LIS PIN he took from a dead Myrmidon; The Marquis's *
coat of arms. *
Hold on that pin as the sound of the train builds... *
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 40A.
46A EXT. PARIS / EIFFEL TOWER - MORNING 46A
Establishing: The Eiffel Tower rises above the waking city.
47 INT. PARIS / EIFFEL TOWER / HIGH TABLE FACILITY - MORNING 47
A telex spits out a page. A tattooed hand tears it. The hand
belongs to a French SUICIDE GIRL.
She walks to a counter and places the telex in a bin by
SUICIDE GIRL #2 who picks it up and scans it, then lifts an
old rotary phone, dials.
SUICIDE GIRL #2
John Wick. Open contract increased
to twenty-four million, U.S.
PULL BACK TO reveal a line of European SUICIDE GIRLS on
phones...
PULL BACK SOME MORE to reveal the large and open multi-level
space populated by SUICIDE GIRLS at typewriters, telex
machines and old IBM computers. High Table iconography on
walls and equipment.
ANGLE ON a glowing green screen. Cell numbers with global
prefixes scroll by. DISSOLVE to--
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 41.
48 OMITTED 48
49 EXT. OSAKA / OSAKA CONTINENTAL / ROOFTOP GARDEN - NIGHT 49
The Malinois sniffs John's cup.
PULL BACK TO INCLUDE The Tracker looking out at the city,
almost like he's waiting.
His PAGER buzzes. There is just a number: $24. He smiles.
Behind The Tracker, a shadow within a shadow moves. Caine
seemingly materializes right next to The Tracker.
The suddenness and the silence of it scares the shit out of
The Tracker and the dog. Both flinch!
The Tracker eyes Caine who doesn't pay the slightest bit of
attention to him or the dog. The Tracker then glances at the
Malinois. `Really?' If a dog could shrug, it would.
Both The Tracker and the dog watch as Caine moves around the
space. There is an undeniable intensity to Caine. He's just
killed a man he once called a friend...
CAINE
You're not with him.
THE TRACKER
I'm not with anybody.
CAINE
We're all with somebody. .45 long?
THE TRACKER
You have a good ear.
CAINE
Two actually... Why did you save
him?
THE TRACKER
Who says I did?
CAINE
Your rifle...
Caine pulls the tin of chocolates from his pocket, takes a
chocolate. As he does:
CAINE (CONT'D)
You're raising his bounty.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 41A.
THE TRACKER
Well, money talks and bullshit runs
a marathon.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 42.
CAINE
You're not with him, but you are
like him.
THE TRACKER
That's where you're wrong... Ten
fingers, two eyes. Seems to me
you're the one who's more like him.
CAINE
Maybe. Then again, neither John nor
I need a dog to guide us.
Caine takes a biscuit from the table and holds it out for the
dog. It tenses, ears dropping back and teeth appearing.
The Tracker smiles just a bit, enjoying the anticipation of
the inevitable mauling to come--
And the dog gently takes the treat from Caine.
And that is an object lesson in dominance. The Tracker's
smile fades just a bit. When Caine speaks, any veneer of
civility is gone, replaced flinty intensity.
CAINE (CONT'D)
You interfered with The Table's
business.
THE TRACKER
I think I can handle your Marquis.
CAINE
(turning into The Tracker)
And you interfered with mine.
The Tracker tenses, slightly, his hand shifting closer to his
holstered weapon. Both Caine and the dog sense it.
THE TRACKER
...Your move, blind man--
The tension is broken as Chidi appears. Without saying a
word, he lines his gun on The Tracker's head.
CHIDI
Who are you?
THE TRACKER
(eyes on Caine)
I'm... Nobody.
Chidi pulls the hammer back.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 43-45.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
That would be a mistake.
CHIDI
Why's that?
THE TRACKER
Two reasons. One, I can find John
Wick....
CHIDI
And the second?
THE TRACKER
Nuts.
CHIDI
What?
THE TRACKER
I said: nuts.
And then Chidi feels something no one wants to feel: a
Malinois snout on his crotch, slowly raising its head and his
testicles with it. Chidi is... unimpressed.
CHIDI
Come with me. You too, blind man.
50 OMITTED 50
51 EXT. MANHATTAN / NY CONTINENTAL - DAY 51
Sheets of rain spatter the still smoking remains of the once
proud hotel.
Winston, his back to us, head naked to the rain, stands on
the sidewalk, watching.
Winston takes a FLASK out of his coat pocket. Perhaps it's
half-empty after the day he's had. He offers up the flask as
a toast to his former home, now just rubble and a hole.
WINSTON
"It is a far, far better thing that
I do, than I have ever done; it is
a far, far better rest I go to than
I have ever known..."
THE BOWERY KING (V.O)
Well, this sure as shit looks like
the worst of times...
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 43-45A.
A figure in a tattered overcoat, worn umbrella, shuffles up.
Stops next to the dog. The Bowery King.
The King looks out onto the rubble. Winston offers him the
flask. The King takes it and takes a long pull.
THE BOWERY KING (CONT'D)
She was glorious, wasn't she?
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 46-50.
WINSTON
Thank you for agreeing to meet.
THE BOWERY KING
Well, we homeless folk have to
stick together now, don't we?
This bites. A beat.
WINSTON
I know you've been supporting him
in his... travels.
THE BOWERY KING
Who's that?
WINSTON
I need to see him.
The King LAUGHS. Big, booming. Winston waits.
THE BOWERY KING
If memory serves, the last time you
saw him, you shot him. Off a
goddamn roof.
WINSTON
I had no choice. The Table held all
the cards.
THE BOWERY KING
But who held the gun?
WINSTON
Enough! I have to see Jonathan. He
needs to know the breadth of what
is coming for him. This Marquis
isn't constrained -- The Table has
let him off his leash.
THE BOWERY KING
Ah, your benevolence is touching.
I'm sure this has nothing to do
with this pile of rocks. Or the
gravestone of your former
concierge...
The Bowery King eyes Winston. Dead serious now.
THE BOWERY KING (CONT'D)
Tell me something and tell it true:
why did that Frenchman let you
live?
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 46-50A.
Winston considers this a second. He has no choice.
WINSTON
To make a point. A dead man can be
made a martyr. But you let him live
and you tell the world that he is
either a turncoat, a coward, or a
fool.
THE BOWERY KING
So which are you?
WINSTON
Aggrieved.
The Bowery King... smiles. Perhaps for the first time he sees
in Winston a man laid completely bare. He extends his hand.
In it is a card. Winston takes it. It is blank save a single
HOBO SYMBOL.
THE BOWERY KING
...You have a plan?
WINSTON
(taps the card to his
head)
I have John Wick.
51A EXT. PARIS / STABLE - DAY 51A
Establishing: An elegant stable.
52 INT. PARIS / EQUESTRIAN RING - DAY 52
The Marquis stands in the center of the ring as a half dozen
riders canter around on their Lippizaners to music. The
Harbinger is next to him.
THE HARBINGER
The Table is concerned that your
recent efforts are becoming
quite... public.
THE MARQUIS
The Table needs to let me do what
they elevated me to do.
THE HARBINGER
We fail to see how laying waste to
Continentals is getting you closer
to killing John Wick.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 46-50B.
THE MARQUIS
Which is exactly why we are in this
position. This campaign is not
alone to kill John Wick; it is to
kill the idea of John Wick. That is
the true threat we face. To do
that, I must destroy everything
that idea touches.
THE HARBINGER
The bloodshed in Osaka was not
necessary.
THE MARQUIS
(shaking his head)
The bloodshed was the point.
The Harbinger eyes The Marquis for a beat, then strides away.
AA52 INT. PARIS / EQUESTRIAN RING / ANTECHAMBER - DAY AA52
ANGLE ON the Malinois, eyes tight on something she very
likely wants to kill, fuck, or eat.
The objects of her malicious intent, lust or appetite are two
IRISH WOLFHOUNDS -- large, powerful, aloof and superior.
If these dogs could look down on other dogs they would, which
makes the Malinois want to kill, fuck or eat them even more,
possibly in that order.
CAINE (V.O.)
He'll make it your choice.
ANGLE ON The Tracker, leaning against a post, head down, one
knee bent in a classic western pose. He raises his head, eyes
Caine sidelong.
Chidi and Myrmidons are arrayed around the three.
CAINE
...Think twice before accepting.
Doors swing open and Chidi motions the Tracker in. The
Tracker pulls himself off the wall and follows Chidi in.
52A INT. PARIS / EQUESTRIAN RING - DAY 52A
The Tracker, Chidi behind him enters. The Marquis waits.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 46-50C.
THE MARQUIS
(to The Tracker)
And you are?
THE TRACKER
Nobody.
Chidi kicks The Tracker in the back of his knees, driving him
to his knees. The dog growls. A look from The Tracker
silences him but it remains locked on Chidi, muscles tensing.
THE MARQUIS
Coyness, Mr. Nobody, is a pathetic
trait -- a miscalculation in which,
by trying to conceal our ego, we
let it appear stark naked. I'll ask
only once: why were you in Osaka?
THE TRACKER
The bounty on Wick.
THE MARQUIS
The stone beneath my shoe. How were
you able to locate him?
THE TRACKER
Pay and find out.
Chidi draws his gun and shoves it against the back of The
Tracker's head.
THE MARQUIS
And what would such a service be
worth?
THE TRACKER
Twenty-five million. Plus the value
of the contract when he's dead.
THE MARQUIS
By your hand?
THE TRACKER
No. I'm a Tracker. I track.
THE MARQUIS
Killing pays better.
THE TRACKER
When you try to kill a man, he
generally tries to kill you back.
Can't very well spend your money if
I'm dead, can I?
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 46-50D.
The Marquis is almost amused by this sentiment...
THE MARQUIS
We'll never know. We found him
once; we will find him again.
THE TRACKER
Before or after he puts you in the
ground?
The Marquis studies The Tracker for a long moment.
THE MARQUIS
I like you.
He motions Chidi to release The Tracker who pulls himself up.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
Twenty million.
THE TRACKER
Like me more. Twenty-three.
The Marquis holds The Tracker's gaze for a beat, as though he
is committing the man's face to his memory. Then he
approaches The Tracker. Extends his hand. A beat as The
Tracker reaches for the hand with his own. Hands clasp.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
We have a deal.
THE MARQUIS
Not yet...
The Marquis slams The Tracker's hand onto a nearby wooden
saddle horse and -- THUNK! -- drives a stiletto through The
Tracker's hand, pinning it to the wood!
The Malinois' hackles go up, teeth bare, and muscles tense
for an attack. Chidi swings its gun to the dog!
THE TRACKER
NO!
The dog doesn't attack, nor does it relax. It remains stock
still, locked on The Marquis, muscles quivering.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
No. No. No. Look at me.
(the dog does)
Easy... I'm okay.
The dog... steps back, relaxing just a little bit.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 46-50E.
The Tracker eyes the Marquis who's looking at the dog. He's
found the Tracker's soft underbelly and both men know it.
A beat and The Tracker eats the pain as his other hand grasps
the knife's pommel. The Marquis places his hands on The
Tracker's, stopping him from pulling it out.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
What the hell is this?
THE MARQUIS
A choice. You can pull the knife
out or you can pull your hand out.
One shows me a man committed only
to himself; the other, a man
committed to the cause. One of
those men will be privileged to
serve.
The Tracker eyes The Marquis as the Frenchman removes his
hands... which is when he realizes that all of the Myrmidons,
and The Marquis, bear some scar or mark. The choice is now
The Tracker's.
Eyes locked on The Marquis, The Tracker slowly PULLS his hand
towards him - the knife RIPPING through bone and sinew as it
makes its way from the center of his hand to the joint
between his middle and ring fingers. It takes everything he
has not to scream.
ANGLE on the dog, suffering The Tracker's distress.
The Tracker pulls his torn hand free from the saddle horse...
and extends it towards The Marquis who... reaches out and
shakes the bloody hand.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
Bonne chasse.
The Tracker... pulls away. Walks out, dog padding beside him.
Valet's open the doors to reveal Caine. The Tracker walks by
him without a word.
Caine enters.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
I misjudged you. I thought you to
be a man of conviction.
CAINE
I was interfered with.
The Marquis focuses on Caine.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 46-50F.
THE MARQUIS
I GAVE YOU A NAME!.. We had an
understanding: a life for a life;
Wick's life or your daughter's...
The choice is yours.
The Marquis strides by Caine. As he passes, Caine's cane
snaps up, blocking his path. Chidi and Myrmidons tense. The
Marquis studies Caine.
CAINE
I choose her.
THE MARQUIS
...I thought so.
The Marquis pushes by. As he exits.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
When Wick is dead, kill that Nobody
and his dog.
Chidi and The Myrmidons melt away, leaving Caine alone. A
beat and he opens his LOCKET. That music pours out.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 51.
53 EXT. ROOSEVELT ISLAND / MAUSOLEUM - DAY 53 *
Establishing: the two mile long 800 foot wide island *
bisecting the East River stretches out before us. To the west *
is Manhattan, FDR Drive and the UN Building prominent, to the *
east, Queens. Spanning the island is the Queensboro Bridge. *
We PUSH IN ON the island, passing over manicured lawns to *
white marble walls. Over them to an exterior mausoleum *
courtyard. *
54 EXT. ROOSVELT ISLAND / MAUSOLEUM COURTYARD - DAY 54 *
Simple. Elegant. Geometric. Winston stands in front of a *
large stone plaque, "CHARON" carved into the living stone. No *
epitaph. He lights a candle, placing it on a small ledge set *
under the plaque. *
JOHN (O.S.) *
Winston. *
ANOTHER ANGLE TO INCLUDE John standing behind Winston who *
doesn't turn. *
WINSTON *
...Jonathan. *
JOHN *
My condolences... He was a good *
man. *
WINSTON *
Yes. *
(turns to face John) *
And taken for our sins. *
The line hangs there like the indictment that it is. The *
implication is clear: John Wick (and Winston) is responsible *
for Charon's death. *
John extends his hand. Inside is the FLEUR DE LIS PIN. *
*
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 52.
*
*
JOHN
Who is he? *
WINSTON
The Marquis de Gramont. Elevated
solely on his guarantee of killing
you. Every resource The Table
commands is at his disposal. *
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 53.
JOHN
Where do I find him? *
WINSTON
Paris.
John turns to go. *
WINSTON (CONT'D) *
Where does this end, Jonathan? *
JOHN *
With him dead. *
WINSTON *
And then? *
John hesitates and doesn't answer. Perhaps he doesn't have an *
answer. Winston takes in John with tired eyes. Shakes his *
head at the futility of it all. *
WINSTON (CONT'D) *
Have you learned nothing? Simply *
putting a bullet in the man's head *
won't change a thing. Another will *
be appointed before his body is *
cold. Hercules had his Hydra, you *
have The Table. You'll run out of *
bullets before they run out of *
heads and you will succeed only in *
continuing to bring pain and death *
to all those you touch... If you're *
going to kill him, do it the smart *
way. Make him give you your freedom *
and end this madness once and for *
all. *
JOHN *
How?
WINSTON
By using his rules and consequences *
against him. Challenge him to *
single combat: a High Table Duel. *
JOHN
A High Table Duels aren't real. *
They're myth. *
WINSTON
You're wrong. The Baba Yaga is a *
myth. *
(MORE)
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 53A.
WINSTON (CONT'D)
A High Table Duel is a cold, hard
law that goes back to the
foundation of the Table itself,
created to keep its more
combustible members from all-out *
war. Win or lose, it gives you what *
you want, Jonathan: a way out. *
John considers. *
JOHN *
...I don't sit at The Table, *
Winston. *
WINSTON *
Your family does. They can issue *
the challenge and nominate you as *
their proxy. *
JOHN *
I don't have a family. The Ruska *
Roma tore my ticket. *
WINSTON *
Then go back and fucking beg them *
to mend it... or pick out a plot. *
John takes in the wall of the mausoleum... shifts his gaze to *
Winston who holds out the HOBO CARD The Bowery King gave him. *
WINSTON (CONT'D) *
Paris. Three days. *
JOHN *
...What do you get out of this? *
WINSTON *
What you are so very good at... *
revenge. *
John eyes Winston for a long moment... and takes the card. *
PULL BACK as Winston turns back to Charon's plaque and John *
walks away from a good man's grave. *
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 54.
55 EXT. BERLIN - NIGHT 55 *
Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate. Even at this hour, there
are tourists and street performers. A long shadow crosses the
center arch. Then a figure emerges from the west: John Wick,
a man alone and apart.
BERLIN
As he passes by, a JUGGLER tracks him... lets the balls fall,
and makes a phone call...
Across the street, watching both Wick and The Juggler is The
Tracker and the dog.
56 EXT. BERLIN / MONTBIAOU BRIDGE - NIGHT 56
John walks down the empty sidewalk. Across the street, a
cigarette butt glows bright to reveal another FREELANCER. The
man stubs out his cigarette and follows John. A third
FREELANCER joins him.
As they move away, The Tracker and the dog appear...
57 EXT. BERLIN / UNDERPASS FRIEDRICH STRASSE - NIGHT 57
John approaches a HOMELESS MAN sitting by a burning barrel.
He drops a gold coin into the man's cup.
JOHN
(German)
Long live the King.
The Homeless Man looks up at John...
JOHN (CONT'D)
I need a gun.
The Homeless man offers up a card with a HOBO SYMBOL: a
triangle with "hands." He looks east. John follows his gaze.
In the distance, illuminated by a streetlight, is that same
HOBO SIGN scrawled on a covered bus stop.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 55.
John takes the card with a nod and starts to walk even as a
Freelancer rounds the corner, tracking John.
Neither John nor the Freelancer notices The Tracker and his
dog step out of shadow behind them.
58 EXT. BERLIN / HACKESACHER MARKT - NIGHT 58
The streets are dark and quiet as John passes by that same
HOBO triangle with "hands" etched into a brick wall.
He turns a corner. Across the street is the SYMBOL carved
over the door of a TAXIDERMY SHOP. He crosses, bangs on the
door.
A long moment and the door opens a crack to reveal a WOMAN
(70s) -- pale skin, blue eyes, bifocals, shock of white hair,
dressed all in black. FRAU GOETZ.
FRAU GOETZ
(German)
We are closed.
John holds the card with the HOBO SYMBOL out. A beat and she
opens the door.
It closes. PULL BACK to Freelancers appear, panning for John.
PULL BACK some more to The Tracker and his dog watching them.
59 INT. BERLIN / TAXIDERMY SHOP - NIGHT 59
Frau leads John through the musty shop filled with dusty,
TAXIDERMIZED ANIMALS: dogs, sheep... a WOLF. Down a hallway
to a door. She fumbles through a ring of keys... finally
finds the key she's looking for, unlocks the door and pushes
it open.
60 INT. BERLIN / TAXIDERMY SHOP / GUN ROOM - NIGHT 60
Racks of high-end rifles, pistols, knives and tactical gear
line the walls. The very best of the best.
JOHN
Glock 34. 9 millimeter. 125 grain.
Frau Goetz slowly and meticulously reaches into the cabinet
and places the weapon and ammo on a velvet mat. Then, with a
speed and surety that defies her age, she expertly breaks the
weapon down, reassembles it and slides it to John who is...
impressed. He takes the gun, checks balance and action.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 56.
FRAU GOETZ
A fine weapon... for an Austrian.
Perhaps I could interest you in a
German platform.
She motions to a H&K-VP9.
JOHN
No, thank you.
FRAU GOETZ
Very well. Method of payment?
John reaches into his pocket and comes up... empty.
JOHN
...Do you take credit?
Frau Goetz puts a hand on the Glock, pulling it back towards
her and indicates a sign over the counter: "NO CREDIT" in
half a dozen languages, including English.
FRAU GOETZ
(English)
To contract new debts is not the
way to pay old ones.
60A EXT. BERLIN / TAXIDERMY SHOP - NIGHT 60A
Four Freelancers have converged on the front door. One picks
the lock. It snaps open. The door swings open. The LEAD
Freelancer signals his men to spread out. Three head for an
adjacent alley as he enters
60B INT. BERLIN / TAXIDERMY SHOP - NIGHT 60B
John... takes his WATCH off, places it next to the gun. Frau
Goetz eyes the watch -- dented, face cracked -- then John...
A beat and she opens a drawer and tosses his watch on a pile
of OTHER EXPENSIVE WATCHES.
FRAU GOETZ
I believe I have something more...
suitable to your... situation.
She reaches down and pulls a box from under the counter.
John examines the contents: a dozen old revolvers.
FRAU GOETZ (CONT'D)
Vintage.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 56A.
John takes one of the revolvers -- a .38 Webley, cracks the
breach. Dust puffs out of the barrel. He glances at the old
woman skeptically.
FRAU GOETZ (CONT'D)
Every gun in my shop shoots
straight or it would not be in my
shop.
Footfalls are audible above. Dust falls from cracks in the
ceiling.
JOHN
Ammunition?
Frau steps slowly to a dusty box of loose rounds, pulls
out... ONE round.
John gives her a look. She reluctantly pulls out another... a
third... a reluctant fourth bullet. So FOUR bullets all
together. This is all his watch buys him here.
John's about to say something when a shadow crosses the
doorway above.
In one motion, John loads one round, lines and fires!
The Freelancer takes the round in the forehead and falls down
the stairs!
FRAU GOETZ
As I said.
John glances at her... heads for the stairs... turns and
comes back, snatches the two remaining bullets off the
counter.
JOHN
Thank you.
Then he's moving up the stairs even as he loads the rounds.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 57.
61 OMITTED 61
62 OMITTED 62
63 OMITTED 63
64 EXT. BERLIN / TAXIDERMY SHOP - NIGHT 64
He's heading for the street when -- KERCHUNK -- he hears the
distinctive sound of a shotgun being pumped. He stops mid-
step. Goddamnit.
Three Freelancers -- ARNO, sawed-off shot gun, KARL and
GUNTER, automatics -- come out of the gloom, facing off
against John.
ARNO
(German accented English)
You're a wanted man, Mr. Wick.
GUNTER
Careful, Arno, he's fast.
ARNO
Is that so?. Are you fast? Should I
be careful?... Gun. Left hand. Two
fingers. Slow.
John... raises the revolver. The Freelancers tense.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 58.
ARNO (CONT'D)
Slower.
...Slowly, with two fingers, John draws the gun.
ARNO (CONT'D)
Turn around.
John turns, slowly.
ARNO (CONT'D)
Give it to me. Butt first.
John... flips the revolver so that he's holing the barrel,
holds it out to Arno.
ARNO (CONT'D)
The Baba Yaga... Not so dangerous
now, are you?
JOHN
...You can still walk away.
ARNO
Could.
(smiling)
But a man's got to make a living,
right?
THE TRACKER (O.S.)
Dying's not much of a living.
Eyes shift to the Tracker as he emerges from shadow, gun
still strapped.
The three Freelancers glance at each other and go to guns--
--John flips the revolver, catches it and fires. The round
hits Arno in the forehead, blowing out the back of his head--
--as The Tracker quick draws and fires, putting a round into
Karl--
--and both John and The Tracker shoot Gunter, blowing him
back.
John pivots, gun lined on The Tracker who has his .45 lined
on John. Neither fires.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
(re the Webley)
Nice gun.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 58A.
JOHN
Vintage.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 59.
THE TRACKER
No. Classic. Webley Mark VI.
John notes The Tracker's heavily bandaged hand.
JOHN
You took a deal.
THE TRACKER
I made a deal.
JOHN
You think you can buy your way out?
THE TRACKER
Everybody's got a price.
JOHN
No. But everything has a cost. You
sure you're willing to pay it?
A long moment... then his answer:
THE TRACKER
Nuts.
JOHN
What?
THE TRACKER
I said nuts.
Only John's eyes move as, a few feet from him at crotch
level, white teeth appear out of inky shadow that resolves
into the dog.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
Catch you later, Mr. Wick
The Tracker turns and walks into darkness. A beat and the dog
growls, then pulls back into shadow...
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 60.
65 EXT. BERLIN / CHARLOTTENGRAD / CHURCH - NIGHT 65
An old Eastern Orthodox church set in the heart of Berlin's
Russian expat community.
66 INT. BERLIN / CHARLOTTENGRAD / CHURCH / NARTEX - NIGHT 66
An elderly Russian WOMAN behind a counter in a small alcove
on the side of the Narthex slides a basket to a BABUCHKA who
retrieves a .410 Jury handgun and slides it into her bag.
John's next. He holds out the Webley. The breach drops open
of its own volition. The Woman behind the counter eyes the
gun.
JOHN
(Russian)
Vintage.
She... points to the basket and we see the Ruska Roma tattoos
on her hands and fingers. He puts the gun in and gets a
ticket, then walks into the Church's nave.
67 INT. BERLIN /CHARLOTTENGRAD / CHURCH / NAVE - NIGHT 67
Old school. Candles. Stained glass. An alter. A half dozen
PARISHIONERS: pensioners, a babushka, etc. John pauses to dip
his fingers into Holy Water, crosses himself and moves down
the aisle towards the altar where an old PRIEST in collar and
robe prepares for a service.
JOHN
(Russian)
Father.
PRIEST
Yes, my son?
JOHN
I need to speak to Uncle--
BOOM! A round SLAMS into John knocking back a good ten feet.
He stares up at the old Priest who's holding a sawed off 12
gauge.
PRIEST
Nice suit.
Men grab John's arms.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 61.
68 INT. BERLIN / CHURCH / TRIAL ROOM - NIGHT 68
John's eyes squint as he tries to focus but the light is
bright and the peripheries of the room dim.
His wrists are tied behind his back, his feet are bound by
CHAINS that are connected to an eyebolt set in the floor and
a cable hooked to a HYDRAULIC LIFT is looped around his neck.
KATIA (O.S.)
(Russian)
The prodigal son returns...
KATIA, late 20s, dark hair and eyes, steps into the light.
KATIA (CONT'D)
But this isn't your home anymore,
is it...
(spitting the English out)
Jonathan Wick?
JOHN
You grew up, Katia.
KATIA
And you got old. Then again, it's
been a while.
As John's eyes acclimate, the large room comes into focus.
Thirty-six RUSKA ROMA -- dark hair and eyes, tattoos,
tailored suits similar to John's -- stand on a series of
steps in front of John. Between him and the Ruska Roma is a
large and ornately carved baroque chair: THE THRONE.
JOHN
I need to talk to him.
KATIA
Why?
JOHN
Business.
KATIA
(English)
Business? You're forgetting, we're
still under The Table...
Katia circles John...
KATIA (CONT'D)
...and last I checked...
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 62.
...and pulls up his shirt, revealing the brand over the
tattoo on his back.
KATIA (CONT'D)
...you're excommunicado and your
ticket was torn. You have no
business with us.
She nods. A Ruska Roma pushes a button on the winch control
panel. Motors whirr and the winch rolls in cable, lifting
John up off the floor. He strains against the tension,
choking.
JOHN
That's for Petr to decide.
KATIA
Petr's dead.
John stares, anger cutting the pain.
KATIA (CONT'D)
After you put a bullet in the
Elder's head, The Marquis had one
put in Petr's. And in fine Russian
tradition, he sent us the bill...
Because of you, I had to kneel in
front of the man who murdered my
father and give him our businesses,
our accounts, our access... and our
self-respect.
JOHN
...Then we have a common enemy...
Katia just watches John die. This is how it ends.
JOHN (CONT'D)
We can help each other!
KATIA
You can't even help yourself. How
the hell are you going help us?
JOHN
By killing this Marquis!
KATIA
They'd just appoint another. His
death changes nothing.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 63.
JOHN
(with what little breath
he has left)
It does if I kill him in a duel!
...Katia's eyes flick to the old Priest who stares at John...
then shifts his gaze to her. A beat and he approaches,
whispers in her ear. They speak in hushed tones...
THE PRIEST
...The Old Ways are clear on the
matter. But for a duel to be
sanctioned by The Table, he'd need
to be a member of a family... and
he'd have to have a Crest.
She returns her focus to the dying John Wick... considers him
for a long moment as his life drains.
KATIA
...How many did you kill to get
out?
JOHN
Too many.
KATIA
...You'll only have to kill one to
get back in: the bastard who
murdered my father.
JOHN
...Give me the name.
KATIA
Killa Harkan. You'll find him at
Himmel und Hölle. When he's dead,
I'll mend your ticket.
JOHN
...And the Crest?
KATIA
Harkan first. Then we talk. Bring
proof of death.
Finally, she motions to the winch operator. Tension's
released and John falls, collapsing to the chair.
Katia approaches, looming over John.
JOHN
I'll need a way in.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 63A.
Katia eyes John... nods.
KATIA
I know a way. Klaus will take you.
KLAUS -- big, powerful, face, beard and body studded with
metal and marked with tattoos, steps forward.
KLAUS
I am Klaus.
JOHN
John.
And Klaus hits John full in the face. John eyes him. WTF?
KLAUS
I am Klaus.
And Klaus hits him again!
69 OMITTED 69
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 64.
70 EXT. BERLIN / CHARLOTTENGRAD / CHURCH - NIGHT 70
The Tracker eyes his phone. The bounty has gone up yet again.
A beat and he dials...
THE TRACKER
He's in Berlin. With the Ruska
Roma. You can transfer that
finder's fee now.
71 INT. PARIS / OPERA HOUSE / STAIRS - NIGHT 71
The Marquis walks up a wide staircase toward the auditorium,
phone to his ear, phone cable trailing behind as opera plays
in the background.
THE MARQUIS
No.
THE TRACKER (V.O.)
Excuse me?
THE MARQUIS
Kill John Wick and you'll get your
money.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 65.
71A EXT. BERLIN / CHARLOTTENGRAD / CHURCH - NIGHT 71A
The Tracker's tone changes. That veneer of invincibility he's
so carefully cultivated cracks just a bit.
THE TRACKER
I told you: that's not what I do.
THE MARQUIS (V.O)
It is now.
THE TRACKER
And that wasn't our deal.
71B INT. PARIS / OPERA HOUSE / STAIRS - NIGHT 71B
The Marquis feels The Tracker's distress as he crests the
stairs into the Auditorium.
THE MARQUIS
The deal was for your service. And
that is the only deal being offered
today. A life for a life, Mr.
Nobody; yours or his. When it's
done, kill the blind man.
72 EXT. BERLIN / CHARLOTTENGRAD / CHURCH - NIGHT 72
The Tracker's about to respond when the line goes dead.
THE TRACKER
...Asshole.
He rubs his head with his hands. Shakes his head. Curses
under his breath. The dog looks up at him with sympathetic
eyes.
73 EXT. BERLIN / THE CLUB - NIGHT 73
A massive structure rising up over the river with a long neon
lit archway leading to the entrance. The muffled sound of
techno throbs.
74 OMITTED 74
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 66.
75 INT. BERLIN / THE CLUB / VIP GAMING ROOM - NIGHT 75
CLOSE ON a felt gambling table. Cards with elaborate High
Table iconography. Stacks of gold coins. A gold plated ivory
handled diamond encrusted .357 Magnum.
Cards are flipped. Winning hand is by the .357. A fleshy hand
covered in gold rings and diamonds lifts the Magnum. BOOM!
ANGLE ON black patent leather shoes as blood spatters them,
accompanied by the sound of a body thudding to the floor.
PAN UP -- black pants, white shirt, suit and vest, black tie,
to John Wick.
His hands are bound in front of him. On either side are big
German-Turkish GANGSTERS, and towering over him, is Klaus.
They are just inside the illuminated area set within a
massive space with concrete walls and high ceilings, both of
which are beyond vision. An overhead fan casts long shadows
over the players and light plays off the Persian rugs
adorning the floor.
REVERSE TO KILLA HARKAN -- big, powerful but long since gone
to seed, his six pack abs replaced by a tractor tire
concealed by a fine linen suit and Turkish inspired vest --
seated the gaming table with two men. He owns the club and
the gun.
A beat and he turns his gaze to John... then to Klaus who is
holding out a an onyx and ivory card out.
Killa nods to one of the Gangsters who takes it, opens it and
hands it to Killa who scans it... smiles. Light glints off a
big gold tooth. When he speaks, the accent, as well as the
words, is a mix of German and Turkish, the tone nasally and
high pitched.
KILLA
(to Klaus)
Please tell your mistress that I am
honored by this gesture of
friendship and that I look forward
to our continuing partnership.
KLAUS
I am Klaus.
With that, Klaus turns and walks away. When he's gone, Killa
then turns to John. Claps his hands.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 67.
KILLA
Must be Christmas... But where are
my manners?
Killa motions to John and one of his crew cuts John's bonds,
freeing his hands.
KILLA (CONT'D)
Drink?
John's eyes move to a bottle of Blanton's Special Reserve and
three glasses.
JOHN
...You were expecting me.
Killa holds Katia's letter over an open flame. It ignites. As
he watches it burn with a disturbing fascination:
KILLA
Not me. Him.
John's eyes shift as Caine steps out of shadow. A moment of
tension as John thinks about killing Caine.
JOHN
You knew I'd come.
CAINE
I suspected.
JOHN
...Family.
Caine nods. Killa, releasing the ash, snorts.
KILLA
That "family" sold you out first
chance they got. They gave you up,
Mr. Wick, in the vain hope of
saving themselves. That's why I
never trust a Cossack. They're a
dirty people.
Killa's eyes are on John who hasn't taken his off of Caine's.
KILLA (CONT'D)
You two know each other?
CAINE
Mr. Wick blames me for the death of
a mutual friend.
(Mandarin)
(MORE)
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 67A.
CAINE (CONT'D)
But I didn't kill Koji, John. You
did.
KILLA
I sense tension. This discord
between old... friends saddens me.
Let me help.
Killa grabs the .357 and lines it on John. Pulls the hammer
back. This gets Caine's attention.
CAINE
We have a deal.
KILLA
Had.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 68.
CAINE
The Marquis--
KILLA
Will never know who killed him. And
if he does, I doubt he'll care if
it's bullets, blades, or a blind
man.
Caine shifts his weight. Conversations stop. Men rise,
weapons visible.
Caine... inclines his head, tracking the movement in the
space, keying on small details... breath, the creak of
leather.
The doors swing open. Two GANGSTERS enter. The Tracker is
between them and the dog pads after him. A third trails,
carrying The Tracker's backpack.
They stop in front of Killa. The Gangster carrying the pack
dumps it on the table.
GANGSTER
(Turkish)
We found him outside with this.
Killa... lowers the .357 and leans in to the pack, looking at
the contents. Whatever's in there is impressive.
KILLA
These for me, Mr...?
THE TRACKER
Nobody. And no, they're for--
(glancing at John)
--him.
KILLA
...A blind man, a guy with a dog,
and John Wick walk into a bar...
That sounds either like the
beginning of a stupendous joke or a
most profitable opportunity.
(to John)
I don't know if you noticed, but
you are a very popular man. I mean,
God damned, is there anyone who
doesn't want you dead?
CAINE
Let me have him and I'll let you
live.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 69.
THE TRACKER
What he said.
Killa eyes Caine and The Tracker.
KILLA
(to Caine)
So you want to kill him--
(to The Tracker)
--you want to kill him, I want to
kill him, and you, Mr. Wick...
JOHN
Am going to kill you.
KILLA
For Petr. Of course... Well, it
sounds like we have ourselves a
genuine conundrum. A quandary if
you will. A real life dilemma...
(to John)
Fortunately, unlike your at lanet
Cossack brethren, Jardani, we are a
civilized people and as such we
settle our differences in civilized
fashion. So... let's play a game.
One hand. Winner decides who lives
and who... doesn't.
Killa flicks a finger and the other players rise, giving up
their seats.
THE TRACKER
What's the buy in?
JOHN
More than you can afford.
THE TRACKER
I'm one bullet away from being a
very rich man.
KILLA
Or a dead one.
THE TRACKER
Either way, I'm free.
John glances at The Tracker -- beginning to understand him
now. The Tracker sits.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
I'm thirsty. You thirsty?
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 69A.
CAINE
I'm not drinking.
Caine sits.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 70.
THE TRACKER
And that is exactly the problem.
You're no fun when you're sober.
KILLA
Mr. Wick?
A beat and John sits.
ANGLE ON the dog, eyes tight on John's crotch. A beat and
John... crosses his legs.
KILLA (CONT'D)
...Five card draw.
Killa takes a deck of cards, spreads them out, flips and fans
and waterfalls them with surprising dexterity before dealing
five cards to each.
John eyes his cards. The Tracker pulls only the top edge
back. Caine doesn't bother to check.
The Tracker discards one card.
JOHN
(to Caine)
...What did the Marquis promise
you?
John slides two cards to Killa who deals him two.
CAINE
He didn't promise anything. He lets
my daughter live.
This surprises John. He didn't know.
KILLA
Mr. Wick?
John... slides two cards to Killa who deals him two.
JOHN
...A life for a life.
Caine... nods. Passes his hand over his cards. He'll hold.
JOHN (CONT'D)
And you think he keeps that
promise?
CAINE
The sun rises and she lives another
day. That's all that matters.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 70A.
JOHN
...I understand.
John lays his cards down. Aces and eights.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 71.
KILLA
A dead man's hand, Mr. Wick.
Caine lays his cards down. Four nines.
CAINE
I know.
KILLA
Four of a kind, jack high for my
blind friend. Very nice.
The Tracker lays down a Royal flush.
KILLA (CONT'D)
Royal flush. Impressive for a
nobody.
Killa surveys the very impressive hands. Takes a long pull
from his inhaler.
KILLA (CONT'D)
...A blind man, a guy with a dog,
and John Wick walk into a bar and
take a seat at The Table.
Killa flips a 2 over.
KILLA (CONT'D)
(to Caine)
One thinks he can serve his way
out.
Killa flips a second 2 over. A large GANGSTER steps into the
light behind Caine.
KILLA (CONT'D)
(to The Tracker)
One thinks he can buy his way out.
Killa flips a third 2 over and a few more large Gangsters
appear from shadow...
KILLA (CONT'D)
(to John)
And one thinks he can kill his way
out...
Killa flips a fourth 2 over. A few more Gangsters materialize
behind John.
KILLA (CONT'D)
Each thinks they have a winning
hand.
(MORE)
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 71A.
KILLA (CONT'D)
What they all fail to realize is
that the moment they sat down at
The Table...
Killa flips a fifth 2 over.
KILLA (CONT'D)
...they'd already lost.
A long pause. Killa eyes John...
KILLA (CONT'D)
Just so you know, Petr wasn't
personal.
He leans forward, and flashes John a big toothy smile
showcasing a big gold tooth.
KILLA (CONT'D)
Maybe a little bit.
And things happen very fast:
John snatches up cards and throws them. They cut into two of
Killa's men, slicing their faces. Same motion, John rolls a
card and jams it into Killa's right eye, then slices the big
man's throat with it. Blood spurts and Killa gurgles!
Caine's cane flashes, cutting down three Turks in as many
slashes.
The Tracker falls back on his chair, evading a straight razor
as the dog leaps over him, tearing the attacker's throat out!
The dog lands on the man as he falls, then latches on to The
Tracker's pack and flips it to him. The Tracker catches it,
reaches in, pulling out a gun and fires!
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 72.
Then the three, plus the dog, are in motion -- Caine with his
sword and gun, The Tracker with his pack and the guns and
blades in it, fighting dirty when possible, John with
anything he can get his hands on -- fighting on the same side
as the entire room goes to guns and knives.
Killa's on John. The two go at it. Killa is fast for a big
man, and strong. A blow sends John reeling. Then he's up,
attacking Killa who pauses to take a breath, sliding behind
him as one of Killa's men tries to shoot John. The bullet
hits Killa in the shoulder.
KILLA (CONT'D)
Orospu çocuu!
Killa throws John at the man and heads for the exit, getting
out as the last of his men hit the ground, dead. John tries
to follow Killa but Caine and The Tracker are blocking his
way. The Tracker... shakes his head. John... nods.
The three face off for a beat... and then they try to kill
each other.
Caine's sword arcs out as John arches his back, the blade
missing his carotid by a hair. He rolls, picking up one of
the dead men's guns and firing as The Tracker does the same
and Caine quick draws his Glock. Nothing static about this
gun fight. It is an exercise in perpetual motion with all
three men constantly moving as slugs tear through the space
slamming into walls.
They click empty and engage. Brutal blows. Fast. A series of
combinations. A blow sends John reeling. Caine re-roads his
Glock. John anticipates, grabbing Caine's wrist. The Tracker
shoots John in the chest even as John shoots him. Both go
down.
John's getting up as the dog leaps at Caine who spins,
evading it, and driving his sword into John's shoulder! The
tip pierces his suit!
Caine pushes as John tries to angle the barrel of the gun
against Caine's abdomen with one hand even as he grasps the
sword's blade with the other. Blood wells.
John... shifts aim and SHOOTS Caine's sword. The metal sheers
and the sword's tip breaks off in John's shoulder. Both men
stumble back, Caine's broken sword arcing, forcing John to
release the Glock.
Before either Caine or the Tracker can recover, John's
running for the exit!
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 73.
76 INT. BERLIN / THE CLUB / HALLWAY - NIGHT 76
John moves down the hall. The music gets louder. A door up
ahead. John pushes it open and he and we are assaulted by
light and sound.
77 INT. BERLIN / THE CLUB / WATER LEVEL - NIGHT 77
Music pulses and lasers flash, refracting off the massive
industrial space fitted as a night club. A DJ spins tunes.
Gogo Dancers gyrate on pedestals. Patrons party.
ON John, moving, searching for Killa. Suddenly, an
illuminated "wall" materializes, blocking our view of John.
Then it dematerializes.
The wall is made of water. All around, THIN CURTAINS OF WATER
shoot down out of the ceiling to the beat of the music,
impossibly fast, creating an intricate MAZE OF ILLUMINATED
WATER WALLS inside the club as a MASSIVE MECHANICAL SUN
glides overhead.
John spots Killa moving through walls of water, heads after
him.
WITH KILLA as two of his GANGSTERS approach him.
KILLA
KILL WICK!
One keys an earbud.
WITH JOHN, moving through the water maze... Motion to the
left. Three of Killa's men, approaching, drawing weapons.
John steps inside, leveraging one's gun into the other's
chest, pulling the trigger, killing the man, then twisting
the first's arm up and blowing his brains out and shooting
the third. John, with the gun now, angles for Killa as behind
him, The Tracker and dog emerge from the VIP Gaming room.
WITH KILLA, flanked by two of his men, moving though the maze
of ever shifting water walls, huffing and puffing. BOOM! One
of his escorts drops. BOOM! BOOM! The other. Killa redoubles
his efforts. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The bullets hit Killa squarely
in the ass. He stops. Turns as John approaches, gun lined.
KILLA (CONT'D)
Du hast mir in den Arsch
geschossen!
CLICK! John's out. Killa... smiles/grimaces. Raises his fists
and stalks towards John who drops the gun.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 73A.
Killa vs. John #2:
Both men SWING and CONNECT. The result is akin to John
hitting a wall and being hit by a bus. His head rocks to the
side. He spits out a spray of blood and stumbles back.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 74.
And Killa's on him moving with shocking speed, fists and feet
tearing toward John with unbelievable velocity. John blocks a
blow -- throws back one of his own. Both of them are landing
punches now -- spitting blood. Killa grabs John and throws
him into a wall.
Killa strides towards John -- WHEEZES -- stops, fumbles for
his inhaler, holding up a finger like he wants a time out.
John stalks towards Killa, kicks him, knocking him to his
ass, then grabs his head and drives it into a large water
filled drainage trough. He big man kicks and spits and fights
as John drowns him!
JOHN
(through gritted teeth)
Die already!
The dog sails through a wall of water, hitting John bodily.
The two roll away as Killa sits up, sucking wind.
John shoves the dog. It tries to get purchase on the slick
floor and fails, sliding away.
John's focusing on Killa when rounds SLAM into John, knocking
him back. He lifts his lapel up and it takes some of the
damage as The Tracker appears, firing suppressed rounds. The
force of the bullets knock John to the floor.
JOHN (CONT'D)
I guess that number's high enough
now?
THE TRACKER
`Fraid so.
The Tracker pulls the trigger and clicks empty! He reloads as
John who dives through a wall of water.
John vs. The Tracker:
The Tracker pans, tying to locate John in the ever moving
maze of water... Swings around. John catches his gun. The two
exchange blows. The Tracker slams his fist into the shard
sticking out of John's chest. Again! The force and pain drive
John back a step. The Tracker lines his weapon. He's about to
fire when a blade cuts the rifle in half! The Tracker and
John focus on Caine.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
Motherfucker!
CAINE
He's mine.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 74A.
THE TRACKER
The hell he is!
Caine's blade arcs, angling for John's neck. A killing blow.
The Tracker quick draws and Caine pivots, cutting the
Tracker's side arm in two as The Tracker pulls the trigger.
Pieces of gun fall away. The Tracker draws a long knife and
tries to cut Caine, who parries the blow. Blades spark!
John vs. Caine vs. The Tracker:
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 75.
Then both turn on John. For a moment, the three go toe to
toe, allegiances constantly shifting each trying to kill the
other, and both trying to kill John. What is plain is that
both Caine and The Tracker need John dead.
In the midst of it all, John spots Killa moving away as both
Caine and The Tracker get an advantage! They're going to kill
him when a dozen of Killa's men appear.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
Shit!
John, Caine, The Tracker vs. Killa's crew:
Caine releases, pivoting towards the attackers, getting
inside them, redirecting fire and breaking joints and bones
as...
...The Tracker gets between two shooters as they dump rounds
into each other, grabbing a gun from one and killing another.
A shooter gets a bead on The Tracker. He's pulling the
trigger when The Malinois comes out of nowhere, taking the
man's legs out. He goes airborne and the dog reverses,
leaping, teeth sinking into his throat.
John kills one of Killa's men, a second. A third gets a bead
on John. He's about to shoot him when Caine hears the click
and throws his sword. It pins the man.
John turns back to Caine who's being pressed by one of
Killa's crew as he loses the man in the noise of the water
and the music.
John hesitates, pulls Caine's sword out of the dead man and
guts Caine's attacker with it.
Caine swings around, locked on John who presses Caine's own,
broken sword against Caine's throat...
JOHN
We're even.
John drops the sword and pulls away, looking for Killa. Spots
him, running.
WITH KILLA, running. John comes out of a wall of water,
slamming into the big man who doesn't seem to feel the
impact. But John certainly does -- it's like hitting a wall.
Then Killa's on him! Picking John up and slamming him against
a railing some twenty odd feet above the lower level. Ham
sized fists rain down on John even as he punches and kicks
the big man.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 75A.
The Tracker whistles and the dog attacks, latching onto
Killa's leg. The big man grabs the dog and hurls it away,
through a wall of water.
John, Caine, The Tracker and the dog vs. Killa:
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 76.
Then The Tracker's there, firing rounds into Killa -- to no
discernable effect -- clicking empty. Killa releases John and
backhands The Tracker. The blow sends him reeling. Then
Caine's there, stabbing the monster of a man who catches the
sword and grabs Caine by the neck, squeezing. Then the dog's
back, latching onto Killa's leg.
Behind him, John regains his feet, grabs Killa who discards
Caine and swings around, right into John's fist which slams
into the bridge of his nose -- the same strike as he was
practicing on the Makiwara board. Killa stares at John... and
falls, collapsing through the railing and falling some
fifteen yards to the level below!.
John, Caine, The Tracker and the dog all stare at each other
for a beat. Then move! The Tracker, reloads as Caine closes
on John, broken sword in hand!
The Tracker fires and Caine's sword flashes as John topples
over the edge, falling to the level below, the impact
mitigated by Killa's mass.
The Tracker runs to the railing, sees John pulling Killa's
gold tooth out. He's about to fire when John pulls away, out
of his line of sight.
The Tracker turns back into the club, looking for a way down.
THE TRACKER
Shit.
77A EXT. BERLIN / THE CLUB / ARCHED ENTRY - NIGHT 77A
John runs / limps towards the exit, pushing through a mass of
club patrons.
ANGLE ON The Tracker appearing some twenty yards behind John.
He pulls the lever action shotgun from his pack, snaps on the
barrel, locks the stock, levers a round into the chamber, ad
lines the weapon on John's back, trying to get a bead through
the throngs of moving club patrons... locks on John. He's
about to pull the trigger when--
--the tip of Caine's sword presses against his throat,
freezing him.
CAINE
He's mine.
A beat as The Tracker eyes Caine who stands there, one hand
holding his sword, the other on his wide eyed and petrified
"guide." He looks back at John who is disappearing into the
crowd... A beat and The Tracker lowers the weapon.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 76A.
CAINE (CONT'D)
I told you not to take the deal.
Caine lowers his sword and starts moving away.
THE TRACKER
Guess yours didn't work out either.
Caine keeps walking.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
Helluva a thing for them to take
your eyes, though.
CAINE
They didn't take them. I gave them.
Tracker can only watch Caine melts into the crowd.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 77.
78 INT. BERLIN / CHURCH / TRIAL ROOM - NIGHT 78
Candles light reflects off of walls, casting long shadows
over Katia who prays at a pew.
A shadow washes over her: John -- bloody, beat up, shot, with
a piece of steel in his chest. He holds out his hand to
reveal Killa's gold tooth. Katia... nods.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 78.
79 INT. BERLIN / CHURCH / TRIAL ROOM - LATER 79
A red hot furnace roars under the altar, it's light
illuminating John and Katia who face each other.
The Priest -- worn leather apron over a bare chest -- places
a gold bar, it's surface acid etched with Ruska Roma symbols,
into a red hot cauldron set on white hot coals.
The heat is such that the metal starts to warp and bubble
until is has become liquified.
Katia and John are to the side. Using a pair of pliers, she
pulls the shard of Caine's sword -- four inches of folded
steel -- out of John's shoulder and places gauze over the
wound.
PRIEST
It's time.
John and Katia move to the Priest.
The Priest tips the cauldron over. Liquified gold pours into
an intricately carved steel urn. In moments, the mold glows,
radiating heat, tears of gold weeping from pinprick holes.
Katia and John each roll up their right sleeves. The two eye
each other over the glow.
Then, together, they place their respective forearms over the
urn. Flesh burns as liquified gold bonds with skin.
Each holds the other's eyes and neither flinches.
KATIA
...You are a child of the Belarus,
an orphan of our tribe. You are
bound to us as we are to you in
this life and the next. Your blood
is my blood...
JOHN
...your pain is my pain...
KATIA
...your life is my life.
They release, pulling their arms back. The brand is already
forming: A wolf, the word prominent.
KATIA (CONT'D)
...Welcome back, Jardani.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 79.
John... nods. She takes a bottle of vodka, pour two shots,
offers him one. They drink.
KATIA (CONT'D)
The Ruska Roma will issue the
challenge. Who will be your Second?
PARIS
80 EXT. PARIS / LOUVRE - MORNING 80
A beautiful morning in Paris, light reflecting off the Seine
River as it flows by the Louvre.
81 INT. PARIS / LOUVRE - MORNING 81
Empty save The Marquis standing in front of `Liberty Leading
the People' - a striking painting by Delacroix inspired by
the Three Glorious Days of the July 1930 Revolution when the
people of Paris rose up against King Charles X.
WINSTON (O.S.)
A warning of the cost of tyranny.
THE MARQUIS
A reminder of the price of
complacency in the face of dissent.
ANOTHER ANGLE to include Winston standing some dozen yards
away, flanked by Chidi and Myrmidons.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
You must intend to join your
concierge.
WINSTON
Not today.
THE MARQUIS
You say that as though you have a
choice.
Chidi draws his weapon and lines it on the back of Winston's
head.
WINSTON
Per the Old Ways and the old laws,
John Wick calls you to a Duel - to
settle your differences in single
combat, as gentlemen should.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 79A.
Chidi hesitates, glances at The Marquis -- who has turned his
head to take in Winston -- looking for direction.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 80.
THE MARQUIS
You talk of the Old Ways as if you
know them. A man of Mr. Wick's...
comment dit-on... "station" cannot
issue such a challenge.
WINSTON
He has his family's Crest.
A flicker of something passes over The Marquis' face.
THE MARQUIS
Ah, Berlin.
Winston produces a leather folio from his inside breast
pocket. Inside is a document, High Table stamps prominent.
WINSTON
The Ruska Roma's challenge. Mr.
Wick's acceptance back into the
fold... It's all there. A matter of
record now.
The Marquis eyes the folio but doesn't take it. He walks.
Winston falls in next to him. Chidi and Myrmidons pace them.
THE MARQUIS
And why would I accept this from a
second rate seat?
WINSTON
Because there are rules, and
without them--
THE MARQUIS
We live with the animals?
WINSTON
Yes.
THE MARQUIS
That time is passed, Mr. Manager. A
new day is dawning. New ideas. New
rules. New management.
WINSTON
Yet you will accept because we
still all sit beneath The Table and
even you are not immune to the
consequences of failure.
The Marquis pauses in front of Gericault's Raft of the
Medusa.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 80A.
THE MARQUIS
And what exactly are Mr. Wick's
terms?
WINSTON
(Latin)
Victoriae fiducia; The
unconditional release from any and
all obligations to The Table.
THE MARQUIS
(to Chidi)
...Kill him.
Chidi is about to when--
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 81.
WINSTON
"My name is Ozymandias, King of
Kings!" and yet all that remained
of him after he was gone was a
shattered statue in the sand.
The Marquis raises a finger, freezing Chidi.
WINSTON (CONT'D)
History is littered with Marquis'
who are remembered only by their
servants... But you can be
remembered as the man who brought
John Wick, he who has proved
himself to be a threat to The Table
and all who sit at it, from the
darkness where he resides and into
the light; your light... Who could
possibly predict how high that kind
of glory could take a man?
The Marquis eyes Winston for a long moment, those cold eyes
burning into him.
THE MARQUIS
...Sunset, La Tour Eiffel, to
discuss rules. You may go.
The Marquis turns back to the painting.
WINSTON
When I'm done.
The Marquis eyes Winston.
WINSTON (CONT'D)
As his Second, upon his victory, my
excommunicado is to be lifted, my
title restored, and my hotel
rebuilt and re-consecrated; at The
Table's expense, of course.
THE MARQUIS
Of course. Je suis impressionné...
WINSTON
Well, how you do anything is how
you do everything. Now, I'm done.
THE MARQUIS
You've found renewed purpose.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 82.
WINSTON
He who has a `why' to live for can
bear almost any `how.'
THE MARQUIS
I rather think I'll miss you when
you're gone.
WINSTON
I wish I could say the same.
The Marquis starts to laugh.
THE MARQUIS
...You don't know, do you?
WINSTON
What's that?
THE MARQUIS
A man's Second, like his Sponsor,
either walks out with his champion
or is buried beside him... the Old
Ways.
Blood drains from Winston's face as The Marquis walks away.
82 INT. PARIS / PLACE DU TROCADÉRO - DAY 82
Bells echo across the city.
Located just across the Seine, Trocadéro Square offers the
most spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower.
The tiled plaza is completely empty, save one TABLE, white
tablecloth, a bottle of wine, two glasses, three chairs.
The Marquis sits. The Harbinger stands to one side. Chidi
stands behind the Marquis. Winston, by the empty chair
opposite The Marquis.
A dozen HIGH TABLE GUARDIANS, six male, six female, all about
thirty, all sporting identical crewcuts and wearing matching
suits with Mandarin collars, flank the square. Part Jesuit
part Immortal, these men and women serve the interests of The
Table with an unflinching, almost religious zeal. If The
Table were a Church, The Harbinger would be a Cardinal, and
The Guardians its warrior monks.
John appears. Approaches. Stops six feet in front of the
Marquis.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 83.
THE HARBINGER
(to John)
Your Crest.
John pulls his right jacket sleeve back, then rolls up the
shirt sleeve to reveal the Ruska Roma family Crest burned
into his arm. The Harbinger carefully inspects it... nods,
then motions John to sit. A beat and John... sits.
The Harbinger takes a seat between the two and removes a deck
of old, HIGH TABLE CARDS, each embossed with family crests
and symbols on their backs. He places the deck on the table.
John nods. Then the Marquis. The Harbinger deals five cards
down in front of each man.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
Under the old laws, only one can
survive; do you both understand?
Both John and The Marquis nod.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
Very well. Rules.
(motions to The Marquis)
The Challenged chooses first. Time?
THE MARQUIS
Sunrise.
JOHN
Now.
Both flip the first card. John's is the lesser and he loses
the round.
THE HARBINGER
Sunrise. Location?
THE MARQUIS
You come here thinking there is a
way out of this world for you, Mr.
Wick?
(flips a card)
Le Centre Pompidu. There is not.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 84.
Light catches his eye: the sun's reflection off of Sacré
Coeur Basilica, perched on the summit of Montmartre, the
highest point in the city.
JOHN
Sacré Coeur.
They flip the second cards. John's is greater.
THE HARBINGER
Sacré Coeur. Weapons?
THE MARQUIS
If you win, The Table will honor
its word. You will have your
freedom, but you won't take it.
Blades.
JOHN
Pistols.
Cards are flipped. John's is greater.
THE HARBINGER
Dueling pistols. Thirty paces. In
the event that both parties
survive, each will approach the
other in increments of ten paces
until only one remains. Rules of
engagement?
JOHN
No quarter.
THE MARQUIS
You won't take it as this is who
you are, who you've always been. We
allow you to think of yourself as
some sort of Paladin or Samurai -
serving nobly at the arm of your
feudal Lord. Part of the comical
artifice of this little world of
ours. But the truth is that you are
simply a killer. An orphan we
plucked from the street and honed
into a knife. And it is the killing
that gives you purpose. And purpose
gives men like you identity.
(to the Harbinger)
No quarter.
THE HARBINGER
If there is nothing else--
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 85.
THE MARQUIS
A nomination.
Winston tenses and John's eyes shift to The Harbinger.
THE HARBINGER
...It is his right.
(to The Marquis)
You have a name?
THE MARQUIS
...Caine.
Caine tenses. John's eyes burn into The Marquis.
THE HARBINGER
Sunrise, Sacré Coeur, dueling
pistols, no quarter. Mr. Wick
elects to duel, The Marquis
nominates Caine as his Champion.
Should Mr. Wick be victorious, he
will be free from any and all
obligations to The Table and his
Second reinstated as Manager of the
rebuilt New York Continental.
John looks to Winston - what the fuck? Winston shrugs his
shoulders.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
Should The Marquis Vincent Bisset
de Gramont be victorious--
THE MARQUIS
John Wick will be dead, as will his
Second.
Winston looks back at John - see?
THE HARBINGER
If there is nothing else,
gentlemen, I will see you at
sunrise. Failure to meet at the
appointed hour will result in
forfeiture and immediate execution.
The Harbinger rises. John and The Marquis remain seated, eyes
locked on each other.
Finally, John stands and walks away, Winston in tow. The
Marquis, still seated, still in control, doesn't rise. His
words give John pause:
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 85A.
THE MARQUIS
I have seen many like you who claim
to want out. But that is always a
lie. There is no "John" out there.
No happy husband with a normal
life. There is only John Wick.
JOHN
And he is going to kill you.
John...resumes his walk as a silent Marquis stares hate after
him. Winston falls in next to John and we go with them.
next to him and we go with them.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Your hotel?
WINSTON
Oh, grow up, Jonathan. If I'd asked
for nothing, he would have shot me
where I stood.
JOHN
You always have an angle, don't
you?
WINSTON
Doesn't everyone?... He'll unleash
the dogs now.
JOHN
Yeah.
WINSTON
We'd best go to safe harbor, then.
JOHN
There's something I need to do
first.
Winston eyes John... pulls a card with a HOBO SYMBOL from his
jacket and offers it. John takes the card.
WINSTON
Don't be too long.
ANGLE ON The Marquis, watching as John and Winston walk in
opposite directions.
CAINE (O.S.)
I won't do it.
ANOTHER ANGLE to include Caine standing behind The Marquis.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 85B.
THE MARQUIS
Of course you will.
CAINE
This is High Table. There are
rules. Fight your own duel.
Caine turns to go--
THE MARQUIS
You will because when John Wick is
dead by your hand in that duel, you
and your daughter will be free.
Hold on Caine for a beat. Then he starts walking.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
Where are you going?
CAINE
It's personal.
PULL BACK as Caine moves away from the Marquis....
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 86.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 87-88.
83 OMITTED 83
84 EXT. PARIS / SAINT-EUSTACHE - DUSK 84
Saint-Eustache's flying buttresses rise up, catching the last
rays of the setting sun. John enters, passing under the
unflinching gaze of gargoyles carved in stone.
85 INT. PARIS / SAINT-EUSTACHE - DUSK 85
A Catholic PRIEST and a NUN stand at the back of the church
on one side of the aisle. An Orthodox PRIEST and NUN stand on
the other side. All have High Table tattoos visible on hands
and necks.
CLINK! John drops a gold coin in the collection plate and
walks down the aisle, by a few scattered parishioners seated
on collapsible wooden chairs laid out in the cavernous space.
He makes his way to a small side altar featuring Julian the
Hospitaller (patron saint of, among other things, murderers).
Votive candles flicker over the altar. John takes a VOTIVE
CANDLE. Lights it. Places it on the altar.
The sound of a cane tap tapping on worn granite echoes. Over
John's shoulder, we see Caine approaching. He stops a dozen
feet from John.
CAINE
For your wife?
JOHN
...Yes
CAINE
You think she can hear you?
JOHN
No.
CAINE
Then why bother?
John lights a candle. The wick flares, illuminating his
features and throwing long shadows.
JOHN
Maybe I'm wrong.
CAINE
The dead are gone. Memories.
Caine opens his LOCKET. That music softly plays.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 87-88A.
CAINE (CONT'D)
Only the living matter.
We finally see that inside is an picture of Caine with a
beautiful young wife holding an infant daughter, Mia.
CAINE (CONT'D)
After my daughter was born, I tried
to leave this life... So The Table
reminded me--
JOHN
They do that.
CAINE
(nods knowingly)
We're damned, you and I.
JOHN
On that we agree.
CAINE
But she's not.
Caine snaps the locket shut.
CAINE (CONT'D)
I won't enjoy taking your life, but
if it saves hers, you're going to
die.
John turns to Caine for the first time.
JOHN
Maybe not.
CAINE
(...smiles)
I've missed you, John.
Caine sits.
CAINE (CONT'D)
It's good to sit with a friend...
isn't it?
A beat and John sits on the opposite aisle, one row in front
of Caine.
PULL BACK. The two men in that great church, at once together
and apart, illuminated by the setting sun's stain glass
filtered rays.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 87-88B.
85A OMITTED 85A
86 EXT. PARIS / BRIDGE - NIGHT 86
John walks along the river Seine's bank towards the Bir-
Hakeim Bridge. Two HOMELESS MEN lean on the wall by a metal
service door. They straighten as John approaches.
He holds up the card with the HOBO SYMBOL Winston gave him.
One of the Homeless pushes the door open. Etched into the
metal is that same HOBO SYMBOL.
87 INT. PARIS / ART ANNEX-CELLAR / NIGHT 87
A set of curving stairs open up to a large space brimming
with stored art. A score of HOMELESS are arrayed about,
sorting clothes and money and stolen watches and purses as
music plays from a circa 1940s Diora Aga Rsz radio -- worn
wood, analogue dials, tubes, etc.
THE BOWERY KING (O.S.)
Bon jour, Monsieur Wick! And
welcome to La Resistance.
John turns, taking in The Bowery King, grinning at him with
that half mad twinkle in his eye.
JOHN
A little far from home, aren't you?
THE BOWERY KING
When you don't have a house, the
world is your home. And your little
act of uncivil disobedience has
inspired me. I'm branching out.
Spreading my wings. So, how goes
the Grand Farewell Tour?
JOHN
Rocky.
The Bowery King examines John's shredded and shot up jacket.
Peers at the wound on his shoulder. Winces.
THE BOWERY KING
So it seems... 42 regular, wasn't
it?
JOHN
It is.
The King produces a brand new Kevlar infused ballistic suit.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 87-88C.
THE BOWERY KING
Appropriate for all formal
occasions: weddings, funerals...
and High Table Duels. After all, a
man's got to look his best when its
time to get married... or buried.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 89.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 90.
88 INT / PARIS MAP ROOM - NIGHT 88
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 91.
ANGLE ON a 3 x 3 meter relief map of Paris. PULL BACK to The
Marquis, standing over it.
A very tall female MYRMIDON stands to the side, waiting.
Different colored flags rest on a tray next to her. Behind
her is an old and very expensive 1935 Zenith Stratosphere
1000Z.
THE HARBINGER (O.S.)
This is how you resolve this
situation?
ANOTHER ANGLE to include The Harbinger and Chidi. A half
dozen VALETS are arrayed around the indoor/outdoor space.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
By giving John Wick a chance to go
free?
THE MARQUIS
It was the most... direct option.
THE HARBINGER
For making you look like a fool.
Failure will turn him into a saint.
THE MARQUIS
My victory will do the opposite.
THE HARBINGER
A man's ambition should never be
greater than his worth. You'd be
wise to remember that, sir.
The Harbinger walks away as church bells strike midnight.
THE MARQUIS
(French)
Ask not for whom the bell tolls...
CHIDI
Forgive me, sir, but this is
madness.
THE MARQUIS
Madness?
CHIDI
Trusting your fate to a blind man's
bullet.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 91A.
THE MARQUIS
There are three kinds of men in
this world: those who have
something to live for, those who
have something to die for, and
those who have something to kill
for. John Wick has none of these
things. He is but a ghost in search
of a graveyard. But that blind man?
Well, he has all three. Besides, I
have a sneaking suspicion that Mr.
Wick is about to face considerable
difficulty making it to the duel by
sunrise...
CHIDI
...Understood, sir...
Chidi pulls a cellphone from his pocket and dials.
89 EXT. PARIS / EIFFEL TOWER - NIGHT 89
We're at the top of the tower. Antennas bristle. Just below
them is a glass encased RADIO STUDIO. We PUSH INSIDE:
90 INT. PARIS / EIFFEL TOWER / RADIO STUDIO - NIGHT 90
1970's rock with a decidedly French twist plays as we pan
over the old school radio studio: wood panels and analogue
gauges. Racks of components. Vinyl records stacked. All of
Paris stretches out. "On Air" sign glowing red under the
station's name: WUXIA. A set of turn tables. A gold plated
microphone.
A hand -- ebony skin, long blood red fingernails decorated
with diamonds -- pushes against a "transmit" button.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 92.
Full ruby red lips graze the microphone. The voice is rich
and lyrical...
THE D.J.
All right now, for all you boppers
out there in the City of Lights,
all you street people with an ear
for the action...
91 INT. PARIS / ART ANNEX-CELLAR / NIGHT 91
John stands in front of a mirror straightening the suit. He
looks good. Sharp. The D.J.'s rich and melodious voice rolls
out of the old radio:
THE D.J. (V.O.)
...I've been asked to relay a
special request...
91A INT. PARIS / MAP ROOM - NIGHT 91A
The Marquis stares at that map of Paris as the D.J.'s voice
pours out of the radio.
THE D.J. (V.O.)
...from a secret admirer...
92 EXT. PARIS / BAR - NIGHT 92
MILIEU CORSO-MARSEILLAIS (Corsican Mafiosos) drinking and
smoking react to the voice on the radio.
THE D.J. (V.O.)
...and I know you know who I'm
talking about...
92A INT. PARIS / LE MARCHE INTERNATIONAL DE RUGIS - NIGHT 92A
The oldest continuously run market in the world. MEN and
WOMEN work the stalls. Several -- members of LE MAIN ROUGE
(The Red Hand) -- listen to the D.J.
THE D.J. (V.O.)
This golden oldie -- and I do mean
"golden"--
93 OMITTED 93
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 92A.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 93.
94 INT. PARIS / ART ANNEX-CELLAR / NIGHT 94
THE D.J. (V.O.)
-- hit goes out to you... Mr. Wick.
At the mention of John's name, Winston, The Bowery King,
others, eye John. "Renegade" by Styx comes on.
WINSTON
So it begins.
JOHN
I'm going to need a gun.
The Bowery King sets a STAINLESS STEEL GUN BOX on a table and
slides it to John.
JOHN (CONT'D)
With more than seven bullets this
time...
The Bowery King grins and opens the box to reveal a tactical
gun belt, a knife, a half dozen magazines and...
JOHN (CONT'D)
(impressed)
9mm Pit Viper.
As The Bowery King talks, John expertly manipulates the
weapon.
THE BOWERY KING
Twenty-one round capacity magazine,
built in compensator for virtually
no muzzle flip, fiber optic static
front sight, ambidextrous safety,
flared magwell for faster reloads,
two pound extreme trigger, match
grade fully ramped Bull barrel
capable of running the spiciest of
ordinance and for those more, shall
we say, intimate encounters...
As John removes the slide to reveal pointed and gauge ready
side rails--
THE BOWERY KING (CONT'D)
...this Viper has FEROCIOUS
fangs...
John reassembles the Pit Viper, slides it into the tactical
gun belt, slots the magazines and knife in and snaps the belt
around his waist. Behind him, a clock reads: 2:30 am.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 93A.
JOHN
How close can you get me to the
Church?
The Bowery King... smiles.
95 OMITTED 95
96 OMITTED 96
97 OMITTED 97
98 OMITTED 98
99 EXT. PARIS / THE SEINE / ST. MARTIN CANAL - NIGHT 99
Two kilometers of stone arch enclosed river stretching out
into darkness. Every fifty yards is a large grated oval that
allows moon and city light to filer in. The Bowery King at
the helm of the BOAT (7 Cuts) they are on. John and Winston
are in back, taking in the ethereal space.
Winston runs the tips of his fingers over the water.
WINSTON
When I advised you not to dip a
pinky back into this pond, I didn't
realize that it would be me who'd
be getting wet...
John takes Winston in. This is perhaps the first truly honest
thing Winston has ever said to him.
JOHN
It'll all be over after today.
WINSTON
I suppose that's one way to look at
it. I have to admit that when The
Marquis pointed his gun at me my
entire life came into sharp relief.
(to John)
Does that happen every time?
John considers it for a moment. Nods.
WINSTON (CONT'D)
I couldn't help thinking: how would
I be remembered?
(MORE)
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 93B.
WINSTON (CONT'D)
In burying Charon, I was tormented
about what to put on his grave. A
handful of words trying to sum up
an entire life.
JOHN
What did you decide?
WINSTON
...`Friend.' That's what he was.
Above all things. A friend. Made me
wonder what they'll put on mine...
THE BOWERY KING
"Long Live the King." Had mine
carved years ago.
WINSTON
Ambitious.
THE BOWERY KING
Prophetic.
The Bowery King motions John to a quay. Recessed in the wall
is a door.
THE BOWERY KING (CONT'D)
Your stop. I will see you when you
are a free man... one way or the
other. Au revoir, Monsieur Wick.
John... nods to The King.
JOHN
Thank you.
(regards Winston)
Winston.
WINSTON
Jonathan.
John... steps off the still moving launch.
WINSTON (CONT'D)
Sunrise is at 6:33. Try not to be
late. For both our sakes.
As the launch pulls away:
JOHN
`Loving husband.'
(Winston focuses on John)
That's what I want on mine: `John -
loving husband.'
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 93C.
Winston nods to him - he understands. Then the launch is
gone, subsumed by the darkness. John watches it for a long
beat and then turns to go.
100 OMITTED 100
101 OMITTED 101
102 EXT. PARIS / LOUVRE - NIGHT 102
John emerges from a underground entrance. The Louvre looms
behind and the city, glistening with light, stretches out
before him.
PULL BACK to a man sitting on park bench. He makes a call and
John runs.
102A EXT. PARIS / STREET - NIGHT 102A
John running. Headlights wash over him. He turns down a
perpendicular street as vehicles accelerate after him. More
ahead. Two slide to a stop. Men climb out, weapons lined.
John, moving, fires on them. Bodies drop.
A car hits John. He rolls onto the hood, firing on the driver
as it accelerates, smashing into a dumpster.
More killers close. John engages. A black 1971 Barracuda
almost runs him down, slides to a stop. Driver gets out and
gets a round in the head for his trouble.
Then John's in the Barracuda, accelerating away.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 94.
103 OMITTED 103
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 95.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 96.
103 OMITTED 103
104 INT. PARIS / MAP ROOM - NIGHT 104
The Marquis stares down at the map as the Myrmidon places a
red flag -- JOHN WICK -- moving away from the Louvre and
towards the Arc de Triumph.
105 OMITTED 105
106 OMITTED 106
107 OMITTED 107
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 97.
108 INT. PARIS / EIFFEL TOWER / RADIO STUDIO - NIGHT 108
Those ruby red lips brush the mic:
THE D.J. (V.O)
Seems our Corsican friends dropped
the ball...
109 INT. PARIS / MAP ROOM - NIGHT 109
THE D.J. (V.O)
Let's see who picks it up.
A needle drops. Static. The Marquis surveys the map -- John,
alive, moving. Others dead, their flags removed.
THE D.J. (V.O) (CONT'D)
Round and round she goes, where she
stops, nobody knows.
The Marquis shoots Chidi a look. The big man strides out...
109A INT. PARIS / GARAGE - NIGHT 109A
A row of black BMWs idle. Myrmidons stand at attention. Chidi
enters the garage and heads for a sedan. Myrmidons climb in
and the six sedans pull out.
110 OMITTED 110
111 OMITTED 111
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 98.
112 OMITTED 112
113 OMITTED 113
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 99.
114 OMITTED 114
115 EXT. PARIS / ARC DE TRIUMPH / INT. BARRACUDA - NIGHT 115
The Barracuda slides into frame. The Arc de Triumph looms
ahead. John heads for it, entering the circle as the black
BMWs converge from the opposite direction. Within moments,
we're in a demolition derby with the added fun of guns.
Shots fired. John cranks the wheel and the Barracuda spins on
its axis, then accelerates into oncoming traffic.
John and Myrmidons trade paint and bullets.
John pits one BMW.
Power-slides around a second, shooting the driver.
Is rammed by a third and fourth. The Barracuda rolls...
coming to rest on its side.
Chidi and Myrmidons roll out of the BMWs, weapons lined and
firing as John climbs out of what's left of the Barracuda and
returns the favor as the fight takes on another dimension:
close quarter combat with guns in the street with cars moving
at speed.
A Utility Vehicle (ute) pulls up. The Tracker and the dog
exit. The former places an old Walkman radio on the hood.
Then, slowly and meticulously, he pulls his rifle from his
pack and starts to assemble it even as John fights for his
life, dodging cars and bullets. As The Tracker dials the
rifle in, he presses his Bluetooth headphone and makes a
call...
115A INT. PARIS / MAP ROOM - NIGHT 115A
The Marquis stares at the map. A VALET, carrying a corded
gold and ivory rotary telephone on a silver tray, approaches.
The Marquis takes the receiver.
THE MARQUIS
How did you get this number?
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 99A.
115B EXT. PARIS / UTE - NIGHT 115B
THE TRACKER
The question you should be asking
is: "How much?"
THE MARQUIS (V.O./PHONE)
I think we have the situation well
under control.
ANGLE ON The Tracker, eye pressed against the scope of his
rifle.
He fires! A Myrmidon drops!
THE TRACKER
Way I see it, if Johnny makes it to
the church on time, this'll be your
last day as Marquis. What I'm
offering is a guarantee that he
won't.
115C INT. PARIS / MAP ROOM - NIGHT 115C
THE MARQUIS
I seem to remember you had some
qualms about killing.
THE TRACKER (V.O./PHONE)
Killing pays better. And better is
now thirty million. Oh, and the
finder's fee you still owe me from
Berlin.
The line goes dead. The Marquis is... unsure.
116 INT. PARIS / UTE - NIGHT 116
The Tracker sights and fires again! Another Myrmidon drops.
The dog whimpers. The Tracker looks at him.
THE TRACKER
...Okay, okay... Have fun.
The dog springs forward and hurtles towards the fight.
THE D.J. (V.O)
Word on the street is we have
ourselves a third party in the mix--
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 99B.
116A INT. PARIS / BAR - NIGHT 116A
Caine sits alone at the bar, untouched drink in front of him,
listening as the radio plays.
THE D.J. (V.O)
--if you catch my drift.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 100.
117 EXT. PARIS / ARC DE TRIUMPH - NIGHT 117
John drops a Myrmidon. Another. One gets behind John. He's
about to shoot John when the dog hits him, taking the man
down. John sees it--
He dives as a BMW almost hits him. A second. Three Myrmidons
step out of the first, firing. Chidi is amongst them.
The second tries to run John down. The dog tracks the SUV --
its windows are closed -- and leaps as a .45 long impacts the
side window, sheering it a millisecond before the dog hits
it!
The dog is in, tearing at the occupants. Then the dog is out
and the BMW drifts away.
John, under fire, clotheslines an attacker on a MOTORCYLE.
Gets on the bike and burns rubber, accelerating away.
Chidi fires on him, then runs to a sedan, climbs in and
follows John.
The dog is ahead of Chidi. He spins the sedan. The back clips
the dog, sending it flying.
118 INT. PARIS / UTE - NIGHT 118
The Tracker sees his dog hit.
THE TRACKER
You did not--
He opens fire on the sedan! Slugs tear into it as it
accelerates after John. Then the Tacker turns the ute's
engine over and floors it!
As he pulls away, the dog matches him and leaps into the
moving vehicle.
THE D.J. (V.O)
Here's an update for all you
nightcrawlers, vampires, werewolves
and things that go bump in the
night...
119 OMITTED 119
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 100A.
120 EXT. PARIS / STREETS - NIGHT 120
John drives hard as the first hints of the soon to be rising
sun turn the black of night into the gray of pre-dawn.
THE D.J. (V.O)
I'm hearing the boys in black
couldn't get it done and the number
just went up.
A sedan cuts in front of John. He spins. Another behind him.
Men step out of the sedans.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 101.
These have military grade weapons and body armor: Le Main
Rouge. John "rockets" the bike at one. The bike and the man
are propelled through a door.
John follows it as others fire on him.
THE D.J. (V.O) (CONT'D)
For my special friends Louis and
Michel...
120A INT. PARIS / BAR - NIGHT 120A
Caine still at the bar, still listening to the radio.
THE D.J. (V.O)
...Be there or be Square.
CAINE
(to the female bar tender,
in French)
Could you call me a cab, please?
BAR TENDER
Where too, hon?
CAINE
Square Louis Michel.
121 INT. PARIS / APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT 121
A Main Rouge is waiting for John, shotgun lined. John shoots
the man as he shoots John. Both go down and both get up. But
John's faster, dumping rounds into the attacker, knocking him
back, grabbing his shotgun, flipping it, shoving it under his
helmet and pulling the trigger.
121A EXT. PARIS / APARTMENT BUILDING ALLEY - NIGHT 121A
More Main Rouge enter the apartment.
121B INT. PARIS / APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT 121B
John moves fast, firing at the door as the attackers pour in.
Then he runs up the stairs. Takes cover behind a solid
banister, re-loads. Fires. Runs some more. Puts rounds into a
wall and punches through it. Turns up another flight of
stairs and come face to face with--
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 101A.
The Tracker who puts a few rounds into the wall by his head,
forcing him back. He spins, fires as Main Rouge close.
The dog releases, pounding down the stairs, attacking Main
Rouge as they corner John.
122 INT. PARIS / MAP ROOM - NIGHT 122
The Marquis looks at the clock. 6:12 am. Then the map. John's
flag is close to Sacre Coeur.
THE MARQUIS
Phone.
A Valet approaches with a phone and offers it to The Marquis.
123 INT. PARIS / APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT 123
The Tracker shoots a Main Rouge. Another. His phone rings. He
taps the earbud. As the carnage continues -- John killing
Main Rouge, the dog killing Main Rouge, and The Tracker
killing Main Rouge, we intercut between the Tracker and The
Marquis:
THE MARQUIS
You have a deal.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 102.
THE TRACKER
Thirty-five, it is.
THE MARQUIS
That wasn't our deal.
THE TRACKER
Well, that is the only deal that is
being offered today. A life for a
life, Mr. Marquis; yours or his.
The Tracker hangs up.
124 EXT. PARIS / MAP ROOM - NIGHT 124
The line goes dead. The Marquis... throws the phone. It
bounces off of polished marble, shedding pieces. He paces.
Stops. Looks at the clock: 6:14, then back at the map...
THE MARQUIS
(to a Valet)
Phone!
A Valet scurries forward with another phone.
125 INT. PARIS / APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT 125
John backs into an apartment, killing men, moves through it,
out another door into the hall, killing more as the dog takes
others down and The Tracker snipes yet others.
The Tracker keys his earbud as his phone rings. He and the
Marquis continue to negotiate as he kills Main Rouge:
THE MARQUIS
Thirty-two.
THE TRACKER
What we've got here is a failure to
remunerate...
Chidi and a crew of Myrmidons appear, moving up the stairs.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 103.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
Hold on...
Tracker shifts his aim, fires on them, killing two. Chidi and
the others return fire. The Tracker's response is bullets and
a middle finger. As he pulls back to reload.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
Some men you just can't reach.
Where were we?
THE MARQUIS
(French)
Now you listen to me, you--
THE TRACKER
Forty.
The Marquis eats a petite sandwich de merde.
THE MARQUIS
D'accord. But only if the bullet is
yours.
Tracker whistles. The dog, tearing at a Main Rouge, keys on
it.
THE TRACKER
Wick.
The dog locks on John who's now killing Main Rouge on the
third floor of the other side of the square apartment's
interior courtyard and bounds towards him. The Tracker
follows.
WITH JOHN, killing men, clicking empty, throwing the shotgun,
drawing his side arm, killing more.
Then the dog hits him. Both go down. The Tracker enters, gun
lined. He and John exchange a look. The Tracker shrugs. He's
about to pull the trigger when Chide enters, firing. Rounds
slam into the Tracker's pack, knocking him out of the way.
Chidi's lining his gun on John when the dog leaps, attacking
Chidi who swings his own gun around to shoot the dog.
The Tracker fires on Chidi! The man's suit takes the damage
and The Tracker clicks empty.
Chidi shakes the dog lose and KICKS it. He brings weapon to
bear. He's going to kill the dog.
The Tracker stares. John's lining his gun on The Tracker...
and swings it around, putting rounds into Chidi who stumbles
back.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 104.
Myrmidons and Main Rouge appear.
John and The Tracker share a look... and John runs for the
window and leaps through it, falling.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
(to himself)
Son of a bitch.
126 EXT. PARIS / APARTMENT BUILDING / ALLEY - PRE-DAWN 126
John hits the alley hard. The steps leading to Sacre Coeur
are a half block away and he runs for them.
127 EXT. PARIS / SACRE COEUR - PRE-DAWN 127
A white Bentley pulls up. Doors open. The Marquis steps out
as Winston appears from a side street and approaches.
The Harbinger waits in the courtyard in front of the Church
flanked by the dozen High Table Guardians. In front of them
is a gravel strip with markers laid out at 30, 20, and 10
yard intervals.
128 EXT. PARIS / BASE OF STAIRS - PRE-DAWN 128
John -- bruised, shot, bleeding -- gets to the bottom of the
steps. At the top of the hill is Sacré-Coeur. Between him and
the church is a narrow and steep stairway consisting of 300
steps framed by cafes, shops, and apartments.
He glances at a clock: 6:20 am. 13 minutes until sunrise as
he starts to limp up those stairs.
As he moves, his eyes pan the doors and windows and rooflines
-- a shadow on the roofline, the flutter of a window drape,
the tip of combat boot in a doorway. Then the punishment
really starts.
Myrmidons step out of doorways and arches, weapons lined and
firing. Others lean out of windows. Still others off
rooftops. It's an opera of insanity.
John moves, fast, firing and reloading as he climbs the steps
-- shooting a Myrmidon who comes from a doorway, another in a
window above, two more at the top of the stairs. Slugs hit
him. He kills the sniper... then two more...
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 105.
129 EXT. PARIS / SACRE COEUR - PRE-DAWN 129
John crests the top of the stairs with six minutes to spare.
The church rises up, beckoning. The Marquis and Winston are
there, waiting, as is the Harbinger. John made it.
Then three Myrmidons rush John. He kills one, a second.
Clicks empty as the third -- a mountain of a man -- fires.
Slugs SLAM into John as the Myrmidon closes. He clicks empty.
A sword flashes in his hand. The two engage -- John with
knife, Myrmidon with sword.
An elbow to the head knocks John back a step. A kick sends
him reeling. The Myrmidon looms over him, sword raised.
As it's dropping, John pivots, rotating his body and driving
a knife into the big man's chest and through it.
The Myrmidon stands there, staring hate at John and... wraps
his arms around John and pushes.
130 EXT. PARIS / STAIRS - PRE-DAWN 130
The weight of the man forces them back to the edge of the top
stair. They teeter for a moment and--
FALL, tumbling... ass over heels... down... by bodies... more
bodies... down some more... for exactly 300 steps...
John pushes the Myrmidon's body off him and looks back up
those 300 steps... the sun's cresting the horizon now... You
have to be fucking kidding me.
Shadows loom. John focuses. Three more Myrmidons are
approaching, weapons lined. John is dead in 3, 2--
The three Myrmidons fall to reveal Caine, sword in hand.
John stares at Caine. He has no idea where this will end...
131 EXT. PARIS / SACRE COEUR - PRE-DAWN 131
A pissed off Chidi, with a Myrmidon team in tow, marches by
The Marquis and Winston without a word. The Tracker and his
dog approach from the other direction. Chidi and the dog
exchange an unpleasant look.
132 EXT. PARIS / STAIRS - PRE-DAWN 132
Caine... extends his hand. John... takes it and Caine helps
him to his feet.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 106.
CAINE
How long until sunrise?
John glances at his watch and then the skyline. The crown of
the sun is just visible on the horizon.
JOHN
Two, maybe three minutes.
CAINE
I need you to make it to the top of
those stairs, John. So... are you
ready?
John clenches his fist. A drop of blood drips from his
severed, spattering against the stone steps.
JOHN
...Yeah.
John reloads and he and Caine, guns firing, start up those
stairs --killing Myrmidons with gun and blade. More approach,
laying down a barrage. Every time a Myrmidon exposes himself
he eats a bullet or a blade. If John's run to the stairs was
force of will, this is art and these two are masters of their
craft.
As they near the top, the sun crests the horizon. Bells start
to toll. One bell.
133 OMITTED 133
134 EXT. PARIS / SACRE COEUR - DAWN 134
The Marquis and Winston eye one another. The second bell
tolls.
THE MARQUIS
It appears Mr. Wick won't be
joining us.
The Harbinger steps up behind Winston, draws a very large
handgun and lines it on the back on Winston's head. The third
bell tolls. The Harbinger cocks the gun.
135 EXT. PARIS / STAIRS - DAWN 135
John takes a bullet to the chest. Caine catches him,
supporting him as he drops the shooter.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 107-109.
The fourth bell tolls. John is not half a dozen steps from
the top when he sees The Tracker, rifle lined on him, dog at
his side, standing there.
Then Chidi appears, gun lined. John is a dead man twice over
now. The dog whimpers. The Tracker eyes him.
TRACKER
...Goddmamnit. Fine... Nuts!
Chidi's pulling the trigger when the dog's jaws latch onto
his balls. The force knocks Chidi back. He goes down,
screaming as the dog tears into his privates.
A shadow looms. Chidi manages to look up at The Tracker
stands over him.
THE TRACKER
You shouldn't have kicked my dog.
The Tracker SHOOTS Chidi in the head even as Caine pushes
John to the top of the stairs as the fifth and final bell
tolls and the full sun crests the horizon. He made it.
136 EXT. PARIS / SACRE COEUR - DAWN 136
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 110.
Winston lets out a breath as the Harbinger lowers his weapon.
CAINE
You owe me one.
John pulls himself to his feet.
JOHN
...Yeah.
A blade flashes in Caine's hand and stabs through John's
right hand! Caine pulls the blade out and blood wells on the
wound even as John grabs it, trying to staunch the flow.
Grimaces at Caine.
JOHN (CONT'D)
...We even now?
Caine takes a silk kerchief from his breast pocket and wraps
John's hand with it.
CAINE
It's not personal, John.
John eyes Caine...
JOHN
Shall we?
Caine nods. Together, the two duelists make their way to The
Harbinger who is now standing in the center of a gravel
runway directly in front of the church, Winston and The
Marquis standing on either side of him.
As the duelists approach, feet crunching over the gravel,
The Harbinger accepts a gold embroidered stole adorned with
High Table symbols from a High Table Guardian.
The Harbinger takes the stole, kisses it, and places it
around his neck. This duel is as much ritual as it is combat,
and every move, save the outcome, is considered and
choreographed.
Behind the duelists, The Tracker makes his way to a low wall
and sits. He pulls a bottle of beer and a collapsible dog
dish from his pack and pours half the beer into the dish.
There, seated and ignoring the two Guardians who move up
behind them, man and dog share a well deserved drink.
A High Table Guardian approaches the duelists and their
respective Second / Sponsor with a tray that's home to a gold
and crystal flask of red wine and five matching glasses.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 110A.
John takes the bottle and pours Caine a glass. Caine returns
the favor.
The Harbinger, as part of the ritual, pours three glasses. He
offers one to The Marquis, one to Winston, and keeps the
third for himself. All raise their glasses.
THE HARBINGER
`We seek the truth and will endure
the consequences.'
JOHN/CAINE/THE MARQUIS/WINSTON
Consequences.
They all drink, as does The Tracker who takes a pull of his
beer. The Marquis tosses his glass away, as do Winston and
The Harbinger. Caine simply lets his slide from his fingers.
John tips his, pouring his remaining wine onto the gravel and
drops the glass. It shatters.
THE HARBINGER
Jackets, gentlemen.
John and Caine pull off their respective jackets. A few
flattened rounds fall out of Caine's... About a dozen clatter
to the gravel as John removes his. He offers it to Winston
who takes it like it was a dead animal.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
And the vest, Mr. Wick.
John unbuttons his vest with his one good hand. As he pulls
it off, three smashed 12 gauge shotgun rounds fall to the
ground. Winston takes it.
The Harbinger nods and two Guardians holding exquisitely
crafted mahogany boxes approach the duelists.
The Guardians open the boxes to reveal finely wrought gold
and silver embossed single shot .45 caliber dueling pistols
and a row of hand crafted and intricately carved bullets.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
You may inspect your weapons,
gentlemen.
The two duelists, bathed in the glorious Parisian sunrise,
expertly examine their weapons. As they do -- taking one
bullet from the box and loading the weapons:
THE MARQUIS
There is something quite poetic
about all this, don't you think?
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 110B.
WINSTON
Il dort dans le soleil, la main sur
sa poitrine, Tranquille. Il a deux
trous rouges au côté droit...
...He sleeps in the sun, one hand
on his chest, Motionless. He has
two red holes in his right side.
THE MARQUIS
...Rimbaud. Très bien.
John and Caine, satisfied with the guns and the loads, nod to
The Harbinger.
THE HARBINGER
Positions.
WINSTON
(sotto)
To the end of tyranny...
John, gun in his left hand, and Winston head for one end of
the gravel runway as Caine, led by The Marquis, make their
way to the other.
WITH CAINE AND THE MARQUIS:
THE MARQUIS
Helping him was a mistake.
CAINE
For who?
The Marquis wilts just a bit as the two stop at the first --
thirty yard -- marker.
WITH JOHN AND WINSTON at their marker, taking a quiet moment
to drink in their surroundings. It's a beautiful morning in
Paris.
WINSTON
A lovely sunrise...
John gives him a nod. Gratitude? Resignation? Some
understanding that this is the end? Perhaps all.
THE HARBINGER
Ready, Mr. Caine?
Caine... nods.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
Mr. Wick?
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 110C.
JOHN
Last words, Winston?
WINSTON
Just... have fun.
John eyes Winston who smiles and walks out of the line of
fire. Then John inclines his head to The Harbinger who is now
at the base of the Church's steps.
THE HARBINGER
(Latin)
I commend your souls to God. We
begin as we end. Ashes to ashes,
dust to dust.
The Tracker, sitting on the wall with his dog raises his
bottle to the duelists.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
(English)
Fire!
Both men raise their weapons and fire!
Caine's round clips John's left shoulder even as John's tears
into Caine's left elbow. Both men keep their feet.
The sound echoes through the streets. All around, pigeons
rise up from rooftops and eves.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
Twenty paces.
Winston approaches John, the Guardian with the box in tow as
The Marquis strides towards Caine, also with a Guardian.
WITH CAINE AND THE MARQUIS: As Caine cracks the breach,
ejecting the smoking shell casing, and chambers a round.
THE MARQUIS
Remember your daughter.
CAINE
Remember our deal.
WITH JOHN AND WINSTON: As John chambers a blood stained
bullet.
WINSTON
A word of advice.
JOHN
What's that?
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 111.
WINSTON
Perhaps aim for the more important
parts.
John... walks to his mark as The Marquis leads Caine to his.
As soon as Winston and The Marquis are out of the line of
fire:
THE HARBINGER
Fire!
The duelists raise their weapons and fire!
Caine's slug slams into John's left arm as John's slug tears
into Caine's thigh. Both stumble but keep their feet, just.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
Ten.
Winston and The Marquis approach John and Caine respectively
as the duelists shuffle forward to the final, ten yard,
marker. Guardians offer bullets. Shaking and blood soaked
hands crack breaches and fumble for cartridges...
WITH CAINE AND THE MARQUIS: The Marquis is about to speak
when Caine cuts him off!
THE MARQUIS
I--
CAINE
Don't speak.
The Marquis holds his tongue.
WITH JOHN AND WINSTON:
As John turns towards Caine:
WINSTON
Jonathan... Good luck.
John... nods. Gravel crunches under his weight as he focuses
on Caine who takes the locket from his pocket with his left
hand, rubs the worn metal with his thumb. At this range, both
know that neither can miss. A long moment, then:
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 112.
JOHN
'Those who cling to death, live...'
Caine's head tilts ever so slightly, almost like there was a
message in that line...
CAINE
`Those who cling to life, die...
The Tracker keys on those lines, like they mean something...
THE HARBINGER
...Fire!
Both rise their guns with shaking hands and fire! So evenly
matched are these men that when the guns fire, it is with a
SINGLE REPORT.
John takes a step back. His gun clatters to the cobblestones.
Blood blossoms against his white shirt.
He drops to one knee.
-- Caine stares at him.
-- The Tracker stares at him.
-- Winston stares....
-- The Marquis... smiles.
Caine... approaches John... stops a few feet from him...
THE MARQUIS (O.S.)
Arrêter! As your Sponsor, I claim
the coup de grace.
Caine turns. The Marquis is striding towards him and John.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
Your weapon. Give it to me.
CAINE
...Then she's free?
THE MARQUIS
You and your daughter. Vous êtes
congédié.
Caine turns back towards John who looks up at him...
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 112A.
The Marquis takes Caine's weapon, strides to the Guardian
holding Caine's gun box an ammo, takes a bullet, cracks the
gun open and slides the bullet into the breach, marches back
to lord over John...
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 113.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
(lines the gun)
Rules...
Winston LAUGHS! The Marquis turns his head to the man,
unsure.
THE MARQUIS (CONT'D)
...Why are you laughing?
WINSTON
I'm sorry, it's just that...
Behind The Marquis, John rises.
WINSTON (CONT'D)
You arrogant, bloviating twat... he
didn't shoot.
Blood drains from The Marquis' face as he turns back to John.
His eyes go wide as he stares down the barrel of John's
dueling pistol which is lined on his head.
JOHN
...Consequences.
BOOM! The Marquis' head turns to mist. His body falls.
Caine stares at John as the blood continues to spread over
his shirt.
The Harbinger checks The Marquis' pulse. He is dead.
The Harbinger looks to John. Sees the significant wound to
his chest. The look confirms that it is a mortal one.
THE HARBINGER
Your obligation to The Table is
satisfied, John Wick. You are...
free.
(turning to Caine)
...as are you and your daughter,
sir.
The Harbinger eyes Winston, tips his hat.
THE HARBINGER (CONT'D)
Mr. Manager, you will be satisfied.
(to all)
Our business here, now, is
concluded.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 113A.
The Harbinger departs, The Guardians falling in behind him.
In moments, they, the guns, the boxes and the bullets, even
the spent shell casings are gone.
John and Caine share a long look that speaks volumes.
CAINE
Brother.
John... nods respect. Caine turns and walks away.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 114.
JOHN
Winston.
WINSTON
Jonathan.
JOHN
...Will You take me home?
WINSTON
Of course.
John... nods. A beat and, holding his side, John limps away,
discarding his holster and magazines and carrier as the
morning light bathes a waking Paris.
THE TRACKER (O.S.)
Where's he going?
ANOTHER ANGLE to include The Tracker, looking after John.
WINSTON
...To find his peace.
The Tracker... understands. He salutes John, turns and starts
to walk away. The dog trails..
THE TRACKER
Well... at least we're not dead.
He flips the dog a treat. She catches it, gobbles it down as
The Tracker pulls out his notebook.
We catch a glimpse of a list of names and numbers, "John
Wick", with a very large number, being at the top of that
list.
THE TRACKER (CONT'D)
...Who's next?
With that, man and dog are gone leaving Winston alone in that
courtyard standing by The Marquis's body as blood pools from
the back of his head.
A garbage truck, small High Table emblem stenciled on the
side, pulls up. Two GARBAGE MEN step out. One grabs The
Marquis' feet and pulls him towards the back of the truck as
the second pulls out a hose and power washes the blood away.
And just like that, The Marquis Vincent de Gramont is gone.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 115.
137 EXT. PARIS / SACRE COEUR / OVERLOOK - MORNING 137
John slowly makes his way to the railing. Paris stretches out
in front of him as the sun rises behind him. John holds the
railing for a long moment, and looks out over the city with
the eyes of a free man. He slowly slides down to the ground,
his back against the railing.
JOHN
(a whisper)
...Helen...
He sits there for a beat, looking up at the glorious
sunrise... remembering. As the light washes over him, he
closes his eyes, slumping a little...
REVERSE TO Winston, watching as two Hobos approach John. One
gently places a blanket over him.
As the image softens:
THE D.J. (V.O)
Bonjour, Paris! The sun is shining
bright today. And the bells of
Sacré Coeur are ringing loudly as
we're hearing that there's been a
change of management. Our fair city
is open once more, mes amies. Stay
tuned to WUXIA, your home for all
your entertainment and
informational needs. As always, it
has been a pleasure to serve...
DISSOLVE TO:
138 EXT. MANHATTAN / CEMETERY - AFTERNOON 138
A sun shower gently falls. The drops, illuminated by the
sun's rays, seem to sparkle in this, the magic hour. Winston,
The Bowery King -- in a tailored suit -- and John's dog stand
together, paying their silent respects.
BOWERY KING
I never thought I'd live to see the
day... I wonder where he is?
Winston glances at the King.
BOWERY KING (CONT'D)
Heaven or hell?
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 115A.
WINSTON
We'll never know... All we can do
is wish Jonathan the very best.
Now the Bowery King eyes Winston sidelong... then laughs and
walks away. Winston walks to John's grave, places his hand on
the headstone.
WINSTON (CONT'D)
Farewell, my son...
A beat and Winston heads off in the other direction.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 116.
We PUSH IN on two headstones side by side: "HELEN - LOVING
WIFE" and "JOHN - LOVING HUSBAND." No last names. Just John.
John Wick is dead.
Roll credits.
SALMON REVISED - 28.1.2022 117.
EPILOGUE:
139 EXT. PARIS / OPERA HOUSE - MORNING 139
The sky is blue and the air crisp. That lovely song washes
over the stairs, the notes resonating with power and promise.
Caine's daughter, Mia is at her spot, violin to her ear,
swaying to the music. She stops to applause.
ANGLE ON Caine standing in his spot. Crisp suit, cool
glasses, and something else. A sense of contentment.
Happiness even. A beat and he steps forward, walking towards
his daughter with purpose.
A group of people walk towards Caine, moving around him as he
approaches Mia.
ANGLE ON one of those people's hands. A blade snaps out. As
Caine passes, the knife flashes.
Caine takes two steps and his hand moves to his throat. Blood
wells from a razor cut.
Another two steps and he stumbles, dropping to one knee. He
turns his head, looking back at his killer.
ANGLE ON Akira, walking away. Behind her, and not a dozen
feet from Mia, Caine falls to the pavement.
BLACK
THE END
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