Santino D'Antonio

Lore & Background

Santino D'Antonio is an Italian crime boss who helped John Wick complete the 'impossible task' that allowed him to retire and marry Helen. In exchange, John swore a blood oath represented by a 'marker' medallion. When John briefly returns from retirement after the events of the first film, Santino visits him to invoke that marker. John refuses, prompting Santino to destroy his house with a grenade launcher.

John then travels to the Continental Hotel in New York City, where Winston reminds him that the underworld has two unbreakable rules: no 'conducting business' on Continental grounds, and honoring the marker. To avoid a death sentence, John reluctantly accepts Santino's marker and is tasked with assassinating Santino's sister Gianna, allowing Santino to claim her seat at the 'High Table,' a council of twelve high-level crime bosses in the underworld. Santino sends Ares, his mute bodyguard, to observe John's mission.

Reader's Guide

He is an Italian crime boss who inherited his father's empire and status as a member of the prestigious 'High Table.' His mute bodyguard Ares serves as his personal assassin. John Wick executes him in the Continental lounge, marking a significant victory against those who would exploit the system's rules for personal gain.

Did You Know?

• Santino D'Antonio is played by Riccardo Scamarcio, not Michael Nyqvist as previously listed.
• Santino sent his mute bodyguard Ares to observe John's mission to assassinate Gianna in Rome.
• Santino opened a contract on John Wick for $7 million—one million for each of the seven bullets the Bowery King gave John.