What Tattoos Do The Adjudicators In John Wick Have?

John Wick, a mysterious character with no detailed backstory, has significant tattoo meanings that explain much of his life before audiences. In an interview with Chad Stalhelski, the creative team spent time deciding which character would have which tattoo and what it would symbolize. The Adjudicator, played by Asia Kate Dillon, is the first main antagonist in a John Wick film not to die in their debut film.

Tattooed on the left side of their neck is “einfühlung”, a German word that translates to “empathy”. This ironic selection of ink is given the nature of their position with the High Table. The Adjudicator’s tattoos are a mix of humor and seriousness, as they are in charge of processing and sending out files and bounties. They dress in pink, sleeveless shirts to show off their tattoos.

The Adjudicator’s tone is overly matter-of-fact and arrogant, but at least when they know they’re on the ropes, they don’t die. The creative team liked actor Asia Kate Dillon’s trademark neck tattoo enough to let it be seen in their role as the Adjudicator.

In John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum, the Adjudicator is introduced as a new antagonist who challenges the norms of the previous films. The Adjudicator’s tattoos, including “Einfühlung”, “Stewed, Screwed, and Tattoed”, and “Einfühlung”, add depth and insight to the character’s life.

Why Did Reeves Get A John Wick Tattoo?

The connection between Keanu Reeves and his character John Wick goes beyond mere acting, incorporating elements like tattoos that hint at the character's deeper backstory. Although it’s uncertain whether Reeves had any say in selecting the tattoo designs during the film’s development, one tattoo notably reflects a character he has long aspired to portray: Ghost Rider. This association resonates, as the John Wick tattoo bears similarities to the anti-hero.

Within the narrative, John Wick, a highly skilled assassin, is enveloped in tattoos that are more than decorative; they reveal parts of his history and persona. The phrase "Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat," which translates to "Fortune Favors the Brave," plays a significant role, suggesting a code of conduct for members of his assassin order, thereby enhancing Wick's complex character.

Despite his on-screen persona being heavily tattooed – featuring symbols like flames, a wolf, and various inscriptions – Keanu Reeves himself is not tattooed. Fans of the actor, known for his action roles in films like Constantine and The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, might assume otherwise due to his portrayal of characters with intense imagery. The intrigue surrounding John Wick’s tattoos started early in the franchise, particularly when he appeared in the shower, prompting curiosity about their meanings.

Wick's tattoos serve as a narrative device, enhancing the allure of his enigmatic character. Each tattoo contributes to understanding his past and the struggles he faced, providing insight into his personality. They symbolize a journey marked by pain, loss, and resilience. Notably, many speculate that his prominent back tattoo, which may indicate service in the US Marine Corps, encapsulates layers of his identity, painting him as a complex figure amid the action-packed storyline of the John Wick series.

What Makes The Adjudicator Unique In John Wick 3?

The Adjudicator stands out in the John Wick universe as a unique character who survives through the film "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum," unlike others who oppose the titular assassin. This character, played by Asia Kate Dillon, represents the High Table's authority and operates within its clandestine world of powerful assassins and crime bosses. The Adjudicator's role is to enforce the High Table's judgment, particularly targeting John Wick for his defiance in killing a member on Continental grounds.

Previously, in the 1970s, a different Adjudicator was involved in overseeing judgments, highlighting the character's longstanding influence within the intergalactic crime syndicate. The current Adjudicator is tasked with punishing those, including Winston, who assisted John Wick, fitting into the broader theme of accountability within the High Table's justice system. Their character is characterized by a cold, confident demeanor, often conveying authority without resorting to physical violence, instead relying on intimidating presence and eloquence.

The Adjudicator plays a significant role in advancing the plot through key interactions, such as proposing a parley between the High Table and the Continental, showcasing their diplomatic yet authoritative nature. Moreover, the Adjudicator's design and styling reflect a structured, sophisticated aesthetic that further enhances their character's intimidating persona.

Importantly, the Adjudicator is the first main antagonist in the John Wick series to remain alive after their story arc, marking a departure from the franchise's trend of disposing of its villains. This survival raises intriguing possibilities for the character's future involvement and influence in the ongoing narrative of John Wick. Notably, discussions during the film's production led to the decision for the Adjudicator to be portrayed as non-binary, adding depth and complexity to the character's identity.

In essence, the Adjudicator serves as a critical enforcer of the High Table's rules and a representative of the consequences that John Wick must face for his actions, embodying the intricate balance between power, justice, and survival within the series.

Did John Wick Get A Tattoo?

In the John Wick film series, Keanu Reeves' character, John Wick, is adorned with a variety of significant tattoos that reflect his complex persona. Notably, he displays a face engulfed in flames, a wolf, and various lettering, yet in reality, Reeves does not have any tattoos. A memorable scene in the first film reveals Wick's tattoos when he is seen from behind in the shower, but beyond this, their significance is often left unexplored. One interpretation of his tattoos connects them to his past in the Marines, as suggested by elements in the John Wick video games.

Winston, another key character, uses the word "Son" in Russian while revealing a Russian Orthodox Cross tattoo, hinting at a deeper connection between the two characters. Director Chad Stahelski confirmed that meticulous thought went into determining which tattoos characters would bear and their meanings. A prominent tattoo of Wick’s is the Latin phrase "Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat," translating to "Fortune favors the bold," which aligns well with Wick's fierce and determined character.

In John Wick: Chapter 4, Winston is portrayed with a tattoo reflecting the Ruska Roma crest, indicating his potential affiliation with the organization. The portrayal of these tattoos plays a significant role in the John Wick narrative, contributing to the overall mythology surrounding the character. A striking aspect of Wick's tattoos includes the praying hands symbol, located beneath the Latin phrase, suggesting a deep, albeit complex, spirituality.

Fans of the John Wick franchise have embraced the collection of tattoos inspired by the character, leading to a surge in similar tattoos embracing elements of the franchise. Thus, John Wick's ink not only accentuates his hardened exterior but connects him to themes of faith, valor, and allegiance, enhancing his enigmatic character in contemporary popular culture.

Did John Wick Have A Cultured Side?

The hands depicted in "John Wick: Chapter 4" closely resemble Albrecht Dürer’s "Study of the Hands of an Apostle," showcasing exquisite white highlights against a blue paper backdrop. This choice of tattoo suggests a cultured aspect of John Wick's persona, indicative of a refined appreciation for artistry, particularly given the elite circles in which he operates, including his lavish associates and the prestigious High Table.

In a poignant act of self-sacrifice, John ultimately saves Caine and his daughter by reserving his last bullet for the Marquis instead of allowing Caine to kill him. The narrative reveals that John, Caine, and Shimazu share a long history as old assassin comrades. However, Caine's aggression juxtaposed with Shimazu's protective instincts illustrates complex loyalties; John, as a lone assassin, is powerless against the High Table's collective might. The Marquis's intent is not merely to eliminate John but to extinguish the concept of John Wick itself.

In the climactic duel, John sustains several non-fatal injuries—a tactical choice perhaps, indicating an acceptance of his fated confrontation. His character history reveals an orphaned upbringing in Belarus before being adopted by the Ruska Roma, shaping him into the skilled assassin he is. Some speculate that John Wick is inspired by the real-life experience of former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, who returned with PTSD after surviving Operation Red Wings.

The "John Wick" franchise intertwines various mythological and spiritual elements, from Greek and Roman lore to Islamic influences within the assassins' High Table. The series portrays a prominent narrative of honor codes and societal structures reflective of its neo-noir genre. John Wick, embodied by Keanu Reeves, transitions from a legendary hitman to a reluctant participant returning to the violent world he wishes to leave behind.

As the story unfolds, it critiques contemporary issues using the assassin society as a metaphor. Dismantling notions of cancel culture and societal privilege, the film world operates overtly despite appearing clandestine. John Wick's character maintains a facade of sophistication, despite authorities and would-be adversaries continuing to engage him, a testament to his fearful reputation. Significant elements from John’s background are further fleshed out in accompanying comic narratives, wherein his formative years in El Sauzel, Mexico, are explored.

Ultimately, the series balances the desire for peace with the weight of past connections, illustrating the intricate tapestry of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for autonomy amidst an unforgiving landscape.

Who Plays The Adjudicator In John Wick Chapter 3?

John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum introduces a pivotal new antagonist, The Adjudicator, portrayed by Asia Kate Dillon. As a high-level enforcer dispatched by the High Table to New York, The Adjudicator seeks retribution against those who assisted John Wick in his rebellion against the organization’s rules established in John Wick 2. Asia Kate Dillon, an American actor born on November 15, 1984, is recognized for significant roles including Brandy Epps in Orange Is the New Black and Taylor Mason in Billions.

Identifying as non-binary and using singular they pronouns, Dillon made history as the first non-binary main character on North American television, earning a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for their performance in Billions.

In the film, The Adjudicator emerges as the main antagonist, tasked with ensuring compliance and punishing Wick’s allies. The character exemplifies a commanding presence, emphasizing a strict adherence to the High Table's laws. Although The Adjudicator plays a critical role in Parabellum, their prominence is less pronounced compared to earlier antagonists like Viggo Tarasov and Santino D'Antonio. Dillon’s portrayal captures the intricacies of a figure who is both enigmatic and exacting in their duties.

Dillon's journey in acting began with their breakout role in Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, launching a career committed to diversity and representation. In Parabellum, their character contributes significantly to the film’s narrative tension and thematic depth, solidifying The Adjudicator as a memorable and formidable presence in the John Wick universe.