John Wick Star Keanu Reeves Explains Meaning Of 'Parabellum'

Home » What Does Para Bellum Mean » John Wick Star Keanu Reeves Explains Meaning Of 'Parabellum'

Maybe your like

Action sequel John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (out Friday) is not a confusing film. Long (bloody) story short, Keanu Reeves‘ titular hitman kills many many people in an attempt to survive the $14 million bounty which has been placed on his hirsute head. Indeed, the part of John Wick: Chapter – Parabellum which is toughest to understand is the movie’s title.

So, what exactly does “Parabellum” mean?

“‘Parabellum’ is Latin,” says Reeves. “It’s the second half of a Latin phrase. ‘Si vis pacem, para bellum.’ It’s basically, If you want peace, then [prepare for] war. So, parabellum is prepare for war.”

AdvertisementAdvertisement

How did John Wick franchise director Chad Stahelski come to gift his movie that name?

“We like to edumacate our audience,” says the filmmaker, with a laugh. “John Wick uses a lot of languages and I’m a big fan of Latin. It’s just a language fetish of mine. You know, John Wick’s going to go for war with the entire world. So, if you want peace, prepare for war. That’s like a catchphrase in the movie. Parabellum is also what some military and ballistic guys use to describe a nine millimeter — parabellum. It’s a gun term.”

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum costars Halle Berry, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick, Asia Kate Dillon, and Mark Dacascos, among others.

Watch the trailer for the film, above.

Related content:

  • Read EW’s John Wick: Chapter 3 review

  • Whoa! Keanu Reeves immortalized with handprint ceremony, joined by John Wick cast

  • John Wick 3 action sequence was almost ruined by ‘f—ing cats’

Tag » What Does Para Bellum Mean