In “John Wick: Chapter 3,” there’s a bug… or is it just deja vu? The Keanu Reeves-led action sequel has many similarities to “The Matrix.” After all, Keanu Reeves appears to have been immediately implanted with John Wick’s amazing combat abilities. Then, in “The Matrix Resurrections,” a bearded Neo appeared who resembled John Wick after being inserted into the Matrix. But the “John Wick” sequel’s synchronicity scene is what links the two.
The central theme of “The Matrix” is connection. There is a connection between the actual people outside the Matrix and their avatars inside. When the mood strikes, Agent Smith can connect to just about any participant in the programme. Additionally, it appears that “The Matrix” has a tenuous connection to “John Wick.”
In “John Wick: Chapter 3,” there is a fantastic Easter egg that ties together the two Keanu Reeves action movies in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. Winston, the proprietor of the Continental Hotel, once queries John Wick about his wants.
Guns, he answers. Lots many firearms
And if that scene makes you feel familiar, it’s because it’s a clever reference to “The Matrix.”
Wake Up, John… The Matrix Has You
It might be a little too obvious, but “Guns. The precise phrase uttered by Neo in “The Matrix” is, “Lots of guns “as he prepares Trinity for the renowned lobby scene. Both times he received exactly what he desired. With their own in-jacket arsenal, Neo and Trinity are killing countless security officers and employees as John Wick… You can probably anticipate how that ends out.
It’s a cute little meta moment when the remark appears in “John Wick: Chapter 3,” which is made even more poignant by the recent publication of “The Matrix Resurrections.” Additionally, it’s a wink and nudge to Keanu Reeves fans who have watched him become steadily stronger as an action hero since his 1994 masterpiece, “Speed.”
But it also serves as a tribute to Chad Stahelski’s experience as a filmmaker.
Stahelski managed Hollywood stunts for years before he started directing. He dressed as a stunt double for a well-known young action actor during this time for a reality-altering sci-fi movie. In “The Matrix,” Stahelski served as Reeves’ stunt double. He also makes an appearance in “The Matrix Resurrections” as Trinity’s fictitious spouse, giving still another depth to this already very meta reference. But it’s not the only instance of a Matrix allusion in the “John Wick” films.
You Take The Red Pill, You Stay in Wonderland
Laurence Fishburne, who previously starred in “The Matrix,” makes his film “John Wick 2” debut as The Bowery King, the leader of an espionage network that operates secretly and poses as a homeless shelter. When John and The Bowery King first meet, there is even a wink to “The Matrix.”
The Bowery King replies, “As I breathe and live.”
Although it could be a stretch, it seems to reference Fishburne’s famous Matrix remark, “You think that’s air you’re inhaling now?” Particularly considering how openly the John Wick series discusses Keanu’s involvement with “The Matrix.” Even though Wick is unable to recall their last encounter, The Bowery King asserts that they have. Then he subtly brings up their initial encounter “before to [his] ascension.”
Shortly later, John goes to the locker area of The Bowery King to change out of his street clothes. He is often described as “making a choice,” and we soon witness him selecting between two lockers, one filled with red things and the other with blue ones. It’s expected that the former Morpheus will choose the red ones.
After all, it makes clear reference to the option provided to Neo in “The Matrix”:
“You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”
What is the depth of the rabbit hole?
