Is John Wick Secretly Born from Johnny Mnemonic’s Cyberpunk World?

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As a cinema enthusiast, I can hardly contain my excitement for Ana de Armas’ upcoming spinoff of “John Wick,” titled “Ballerina.” Just last month at Cinemacon in Las Vegas, we got word that “John Wick 5” is on its way! To fuel our anticipation even more, a behind-the-scenes documentary has been released, and there are several spinoff projects in the pipeline.

The assassin universe first brought to life by Keanu Reeves’ iconic character has been dominating the box office (pun intended). The four films centered around “John Wick” have provided a rich tapestry for exploring his backstory, from his orphaned past, his relationship with the High Table, to the tragic tales of his deceased wife and dog.

However, what if the origins of this assassin were rooted in an underrated cyberpunk film from the mid-90s? It might come as a surprise, but this action movie, starring Keanu Reeves in the lead role, initially received less than favorable reviews. Over time, it has evolved into a cult classic.

According to a 1985 short story, Johnny Mnemonic was Robert Longo’s first feature film as a director. In this story, megacorporations held power, and a new disease called nerve attenuation syndrome (NAS) spread due to technological implants. Reeves portrayed Johnny, a courier who embeds confidential data directly into his brain. To initially accept this job, he had to suppress his childhood memories, but now seeks them back and is taking risky assignments to fund the procedure. During his latest mission, Reeves’ character finds himself in serious trouble as the new digital dossier could not only cure the virus plaguing many worldwide but also potentially end his life.

Johnny Mnemonic vs John Wick?

Following the initial release of “Johnny Mnemonic”, numerous critics expressed that the movie’s focus seemed to prioritize computer graphics special effects and resembling a video game over other aspects. To be fair, advanced CGI was quite novel at that time. However, three years ago, a longer, black-and-white version (akin to a director’s cut) reshaped the perception of Johnny Mnemonic, causing many fans to appreciate this cyberpunk action flick anew. Nevertheless, one must wonder: could an early draft of “John Wick” be concealed beneath all that futuristic clothing? After all, the Yakuza appearing in both movies is certainly a promising connection, isn’t it?

As a movie aficionado, I find myself drawn to intricate elements that set a film apart. For instance, John Wick’s impeccable style is one such detail. Dressed in a suit and pants that would later become iconic for his character, the simplicity of his attire is striking yet significant.

Moving on, the name, while seemingly trivial, merits mention. Both characters bear the names John and Johnny. Yet, there’s a deeper connection here. Both characters are relentlessly pursued by hostile forces. In John Wick, a price is placed on his head that escalates as the story unfolds, making him a valuable target. Similarly, in Johnny Mnemonic, the data stored in his mind makes him an invaluable asset to certain individuals.

In essence, these seemingly minor aspects weave together to create characters that are not just action heroes, but complex individuals with intriguing backstories and values that resonate with us as viewers.

In Chad Stahelski’s films, the chase scenes are expansively developed, but the encounters between Johnny and his adversaries, namely Shinji (equipped with a laser whip) and the Street Preacher played by Dolph Lundgren, are just as imaginative. These confrontations showcase unique weapons and larger-than-life opponents that are abundant in the John Wick series. The Street Preacher introduces a religious undertone to the storyline. Despite their disconnection, similar global themes can be found in the latest assassin movies as well.

Similar Characters Make the Comparison Clearer

Despite the contrasting settings – modern times for John Wick and a dystopian future for Johnny Mnemonic – both films are united by the significant role of character foils. Dina Meyer’s Jane and Bridget Moynahan’s Helen Wick serve as supporting protagonists, influencing their male counterparts to take action. The disruption of Helen’s tranquil memories propels Wick back into his old life. Similarly, afflicted with NAS, Jane significantly contributes to Johnny fulfilling his true destiny. Interestingly, these women also act as significant story catalysts in both films, and it’s intriguing that in John Wick’s case (or rather, the franchise), a non-human figure also plays a crucial role as a driving force behind the plot.

In the film “Johnny Mnemonic,” it’s a cybernetically advanced dolphin named Jones, as well as an AI version of Johnny’s mother, that aid Reeves’ character in retrieving his lost memories. Conversely, in the “John Wick” series, a beloved beagle called Daisy (tied to John’s wife) is cruelly taken by Russian gangsters, sparking a relentless four-film journey for the once-retired assassin.

Though these two films, John Wick and Johnny Mnemonic, were made in different eras, they share a powerful thematic link that resonates with cherished memories. There may be no direct connection between directors Longo and Stahelski, but the Keanu Reeves movies seem surprisingly alike when compared. If you’d like to verify this for yourself, you can watch all four John Wick films on Peacock streaming service, while Johnny Mnemonic is available for free on Pluto TV.

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2025-05-18 23:05