The Ford Mustang, an emblem of American muscle and style, has roared its way into countless films, becoming as much of a Hollywood icon as the actors behind the wheel. While the Mustang boasts a rich cinematic history, it’s the Mustang In John Wick that has truly captured the imagination of modern audiences, cementing its place in action movie lore. This article explores the Mustang’s broader film legacy, culminating in the undeniable coolness of John Wick’s prized possession.
Before John Wick, the Mustang was already a seasoned movie star. Perhaps most famously, the Mustang GT took center stage in Bullitt. Steve McQueen, wanting to ensure audiences knew it was him driving, famously raced the car through the hilly streets of San Francisco with the windows down. This very hero car achieved legendary status, selling for a staggering $3.4 million in 2020, a record price for a Mustang, underscoring the enduring appeal of this American classic.
The Mustang’s versatility extends beyond just thrillers. It has also made memorable appearances in high-octane franchises like Gone in 60 Seconds and Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, showcasing its ability to blend into diverse cinematic landscapes. Even the world of James Bond couldn’t resist the Mustang’s charm. In Thunderball and Goldfinger, Tilly Masterson, a Bond girl with a penchant for speed, drove a convertible Mustang, engaging in a spirited race against 007’s Aston Martin DB5 on the winding Furka Pass in the Swiss Alps. The cream exterior and red leather interior of that Mustang highlighted the grand tourer essence of the early models, a softer side to the powerful machine that debuted in 1964, the same year Goldfinger was released.
However, when it comes to sheer impact and coolness, John Wick’s Mustang stands in a league of its own. While Keanu Reeves is well-known for his personal passion for motorcycles, his on-screen persona, John Wick, is defined by his love for his 1969 Mustang. This car isn’t just transportation; it’s a symbol of his past life and a deeply cherished possession. Its theft and subsequent brutal destruction set the entire plot of the first John Wick film into motion. The audience witnesses Wick’s devastation, emphasizing the car’s emotional significance. In the sequel, we see him meticulously rebuilding it, a testament to its irreplaceable value in his eyes.
With his beloved Mustang undergoing repairs, what does John Wick drive in the more recent chapters of his saga? He takes command of a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda in John Wick: Chapter 4. This muscle car becomes the star of an exhilarating chase sequence in Paris, where Wick executes breathtaking drifts around the Arc de Triomphe while engaging his enemies. Keanu Reeves himself performed this impressive stunt, showcasing both his driving prowess and the Barracuda’s capabilities. The producers consciously aimed to revive the muscle car spirit, and the Barracuda delivered, playing a pivotal role in a car chase that is already considered a modern cinematic highlight. While the Barracuda is undeniably impressive and fits the action-packed narrative, does it eclipse the iconic status of Wick’s Mustang? For most fans, and arguably for John Wick himself, the answer is likely no. The Mustang remains the quintessential John Wick car, forever linked to the Baba Yaga’s legend.
