Viggo Tarasov
The Russian crime boss whose death at John's hands left his brother Abram as the last major figure of the Tarasov family.
Viggo Tarasov is a Russian crime boss in New York City and the brother of Abram Tarasov. He is the father of Iosef Tarasov, whose actions at the start of the first film set John Wick on a path of vengeance. Viggo was killed by John Wick in the events of the first film; at the start of Chapter 2 his brother Abram is highly strung after the recent deaths of Iosef and Viggo at John's hands.
Quick Facts
- Affiliation
- Tarasov Crime Family
Lore & Background
Viggo Tarasov was the head of the Tarasov Crime Family in New York City, a powerful underworld figure whose influence extended through the criminal networks of the city. He was the brother of Abram Tarasov and the father of Iosef Tarasov. Abram is 'the last of the Tarasov family's major figures' after the deaths of Iosef and Viggo, both killed by John Wick in the events of the first film. Viggo's death at John's hands is a key event that shapes the opening of John Wick: Chapter 2, where Abram is described as 'highly strung' following these losses. The film's plot begins with John infiltrating Abram's smuggling compound to recover his stolen Boss 429 Mustang, a direct consequence of the earlier conflict with Viggo and Iosef. Viggo's role is thus established through the aftermath of his death, which leaves Abram vulnerable and seeking peace with John.
Reader's Guide
Viggo Tarasov is a key figure in the backstory of John Wick: Chapter 2, though he is deceased by the time the film begins. He was the brother of Abram Tarasov and the father of Iosef Tarasov; Viggo and Iosef were both killed by John Wick in the first film. Abram is the last of the Tarasov family's major figures. Viggo's death is referenced as a motivating factor for Abram's actions in the opening scene, where John recovers his Mustang and spares Abram. Viggo's role is thus essential to understanding the film's plot, as his death and the destruction of his family set the stage for John's forced return to the assassin world through Santino D'Antonio's marker.
More in Characters & Assassins
Elsewhere in John Wick Chapter
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