John Wick has established itself not only based on its breathtaking action but also on the basis of its memorable villains. Every single villain has a certain combination of charm, threat, and individuality, most of whom linger in our minds long after the credits have rolled. And with many characters having their destinies left open to interpretation, fans must ask: could they be back?
Here are six excellent villains from the John Wick franchise who added intensity to the screen—and possibly still have some loose ends to tie up.
1. Cassian – The Rival Assassin Who Could Still Be Alive
Portrayed by Common, Cassian is among John Wick’s most formidable and merciless enemies. First seen in John Wick: Chapter 2, he is the bodyguard to Gianna D’Antonio and is armed against John upon her death. Their game of cat-and-mouse in Rome and New York provides some of the best of the franchise’s highest tension and goriest action, particularly their knife fight in a subway.
In a rare show of respect, John leaves Cassian alive—barely—by stabbing him in the aorta and telling him survival depends on not removing the blade. Because his fate was left unresolved, fans have long speculated about a potential comeback. If Cassian returns, he’d be bringing not just revenge, but unfinished rivalry.
2. Ares – The Silent Enforcer with a Story to Tell
Ruby Rose’s appearance as Ares in Chapter 2 provided a striking level of intrigue. Santino D’Antonio’s silent right hand, Ares, only speaks sign language, but her very presence is eloquent. Cold and calculating yet intensely loyal, she has an unforgettable confrontation with John amidst a hall of mirrors—a visual and emotional standout for the film.
As John delivers the coup de grâce, Ares’ ultimate fate is never certain. With Ruby Rose showing interest in delving into her character’s history, and with the franchise growing through spin-offs and prequels, Ares is a prime candidate for a return.
3. The Shinobi Assassins – Martial Arts Masters with Honor
In Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Cecep Arif Rahman and Yayan Ruhian (known for their acting in The Raid) play the roles of the Shinobi assassins led by Zero. Their fight against John is a martial arts masterpiece—graceful, brutal, and respectful. Although defeated, both Shinobi survive and pay respect to John’s skill and reputation.
Their dignified composure makes them stand out from a lot of Wick’s foes, implying that their usefulness in the universe isn’t done yet. Perhaps they could return—albeit as friends? As the world of John Wick gets more immersed in lore and tradition, the door doesn’t close.
4. Zero – The Charismatic Martial Arts Fanboy
Mark Dacascos, both menacing and charming, plays Zero, the lead villain of Parabellum. As the leader of the Shinobi and a hardcore fanboy of John Wick, Zero is an intriguing paradox: a fanboy assassin who’s also assigned to kill his hero. Their climactic fight combines humor, respect, and intense action, ranking as one of the series’ greatest battles.
Although Zero dies what amounts to a definitive death, his impact remains. His combination of deadly talent and eccentric personality contributed to the tone of the franchise, and fans continue to discuss him as one of the greatest fun villains to view.
5. Santino D’Antonio – The Master Manipulator
Without Santino, there would be no John Wick: Chapter 2. Riccardo Scamarcio plays the smooth, cunning bad guy who draws John out of retirement by calling in a blood oath, then double-crosses him. Santino’s gamesmanship starts a chain of causality that rearranges the assassin universe and sends John onto a one-way road.
While he gets a conclusive death at the hands of John, Santino’s echo is still present in subsequent films. His misdeeds further solidified the hold of the High Table over John’s life, demonstrating how just one egotistical villain could fan an entire war.
6. The Adjudicator – Authority Personified
Played by Asia Kate Dillon, the Adjudicator is one of the franchise’s standout villains. The embodiment of the High Table’s indifferent, by-the-book reach, they don’t use physical force, but their speech is lethal. Unflappable, detached, and unyielding, the Adjudicator tests John’s friends and dispenses punishment with monstrous exactness.
Their destiny is left pending after Chapter 3, and with the increasing role of the High Table in John Wick: Chapter 4 and beyond, their return not only appears possible but probable.
In a universe where each assassin possesses their code, style, and narrative, John Wick’s villains are far from forgettable. Some were left to bleed on the ground, others escaped with a warning, while others disappeared into the shadows. Whether they come back to haunt the streets or as reluctant allies, these villains show that in the universe of John Wick, there’s never really a way out of the game for anyone.