Tarasov Family

Lore & Background

The Tarasov Family is a Russian crime syndicate operating out of New York City, led by Viggo Tarasov. John Wick was once the top enforcer for the New York Russian crime syndicate, becoming an infamous hitman. John eventually fell in love with a woman named Helen and met with Viggo Tarasov, who agreed to grant him his freedom if he could carry out an 'impossible task.' John eliminated all of Tarasov's major rivals, enabling Tarasov to become one of New York's most powerful crime bosses. After John retired, Iosef Tarasov, Viggo's son, broke into John's home, assaulted him, stole his car, and killed his puppy Daisy. Knowing John will likely stop at nothing to kill Iosef, Viggo attempts to protect his son and sends numerous assassins to stop John, but John kills them all. John eventually kills Iosef and Viggo. After taking revenge on the Tarasovs, John retrieves his prized car from Viggo's brother, Abram, and forms a truce with him.

In Their Own Story

The Tarasov Family's downfall begins when Iosef Tarasov, Viggo's son, breaks into John Wick's home, assaults John, steals his 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429, and kills his beagle puppy Daisy. Viggo, knowing John will likely stop at nothing to kill Iosef, attempts to protect his son and sends numerous assassins to stop John, but John kills them all. John eventually kills Iosef and Viggo. Afterwards, John rescues a pit bull puppy scheduled to be euthanized from an animal shelter and returns home. Later, John retrieves his prized car from Viggo's brother, Abram, and forms a truce with him.

Reader's Guide

The Tarasov Family operates as a Russian-American crime syndicate in New York City. Their hierarchy is led by Viggo Tarasov, with his son Iosef Tarasov as a key member. Viggo's brother Abram also appears as a member who later forms a truce with John Wick. The family's power was built partly on John Wick's work: John eliminated all of Tarasov's major rivals, enabling Tarasov to become one of New York's most powerful crime bosses. Their primary conflict is the inciting incident of the saga: Iosef's assault on John, theft of his car, and killing of his puppy. This triggers John's vengeful rampage, resulting in the deaths of Iosef and Viggo, effectively dismantling the family's leadership. The family's status is dissolved after these events.

Did You Know?

• John Wick was once the top enforcer for the New York Russian crime syndicate, which is the Tarasov Family.
• John eliminated all of Tarasov's major rivals, enabling Viggo Tarasov to become one of New York's most powerful crime bosses.
• Iosef Tarasov stole John's 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and killed his beagle puppy Daisy.
• John later retrieved his prized car from Viggo's brother, Abram, and formed a truce with him.
• The Tarasov Family's downfall begins with Iosef's actions, which Viggo attempts to stop by sending numerous assassins, all of whom John kills.