John Wick is a prominent action franchise that originated as a sleeper blockbuster in 2014, featuring Keanu Reeves, who had been out of the box office spotlight for several years. It marked the resurgence of the action star to his previous prominence, resulting in three profitable sequels and the latest three-part spin-off prequel series, The Continental.
In its journey to monumental success, the franchise established a novel mythology for films centered on assassins. It established a universe centered on the enigmatic hotel sanctuary for assassins, referred to as The Continental, managed by Winston, portrayed by Ian McShane.
A significant concept that emerged in the John Wick universe is the term “excommunicado,” which has become emblematic of the franchise and has shaped its identity in numerous ways. This sentence instills dread in every assassin globally, as it represents their ultimate terror.
Why did John Wick Get Declared Excommunicado?
John Wick is the quintessential assassin in cinema, including some of the most exceptional action sequences ever depicted on screen. He possesses abilities that others may only conceive in their most extravagant fantasies.
He epitomizes the ideal assassin in some respects; nevertheless, akin to most figures in action series, he possesses inherent human flaws that ultimately lead to significant complications.
In John Wick: Chapter 2, he errs by assassinating an individual on the premises of The Continental, which is strictly prohibited. The individual he eliminates is an Italian mafia lord named Santino D’Antonio, who has sought sanctuary at The Continental to shield himself from being assassinated by John.
While he relishes his dinner at the restaurant and mocks John, the titular assassin chooses to disregard all regulations and fatally shoots him.
John encounters Winston at the Bethesda Fountain the following day, where the hotel manager regretfully informs him that due to Santino’s demise, John has a bounty placed on him and is now declared “excommunicado” from the Continental, thereby forfeiting access to the hotel’s resources and privileges.
Winston grants John Wick and his dog a one-hour reprieve to flee, affording him a slim opportunity for escape, prior to the activation of his status, which will incite assassins globally to pursue him for the bounty. These events directly precede John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum.
What is the Meaning of Being Excommunicado?
Excommunicado refers to the situation of an individual previously affiliated with The Continental, whose privileges are rescinded due to a violation of established regulations.
The excommunicado individual forfeits all access to the services provided by The Continental, including protection from other members. A member who has been deprived of Continental rights may now be executed without consequence.
At the outset of John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum, John Wick utilizes the hour preceding the formalization of his “excommunicado” status to procure essential items for his escape. While the doctor tends to his injuries, John’s new status is activated, necessitating that he complete his own suturing and inflict harm on the doctor to conceal his assistance.
Winston afforded John special treatment owing to their enduring relationship; yet, adherence to the regulations was imperative for John to avoid the risk of excommunication.
Were There Any Other Persons Declared Excommunicado?
In the first John Wick film, Ms. Perkins endeavored to assassinate John to obtain a $2 million reward on him; however, he overpowered her, and she faced retribution for her deeds. She evaded a man named Harry who was overseeing her, and Winston subsequently proclaimed her “excommunicado”.
He subsequently ordered her execution for conducting business on the Continental property.
Winston was not exempt from punishment and was designated “excommunicado” by the High Table in John Wick 4 for his inability to eliminate John Wick. This led to the annihilation of the New York faction of the Continental and the death of Charon.
He ultimately facilitated John’s confrontation with Vincent Bisset de Gramont in return for the reconstruction of the Continental in New York and the revocation of his “excommunicado” status.
John killed Vincent, fulfilling his commitments to the High Table and achieving freedom, while Winston’s requests were accomplished, reinstating his status and ending his “excommunicado” status. It may be posited that John’s ”excommunicado” status was rescinded; nevertheless, he seemingly succumbed to his injuries, rendering his status inconsequential.
If renewed for a second season, The Continental television series will likely feature additional instances of “excommunicado” assassins. Additionally, a forthcoming Ballerina spin-off indicates that the John Wick series is far from being deemed “excommunicado.”
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