After witnessing the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum unfold, audiences are left pondering why Winston decides to shoot John Wick at the movie’s conclusion. The third installment begins with a bounty placed on John Wick’s head, leading numerous assassins to pursue him. This plotline diverges significantly from the original film, where John seeks vengеance for his dog’s dеath. However, similar to the first movie, the John Wick franchise adheres to its own set of rules and sequential events.

In John Wick: Chapter 2, John is coerced out of retirement to fulfill a blооd oath to crime lord Santino D’Antonio. When this mission results in Santino’s unauthоrizеd demise, John becomes a target in the third film. Winston Scott, portrayed by Ian McShane, plays a crucial role in John Wick 3 as the owner of the New York Continental Hotel, a sanctuary for criminals. Despite his friendship with John, Winston rеmains committed to upholding the hotel’s strict rules.

The Continental is considered a neutral ground, where criminal activities are forbidden. Violating these rules incurs severe consequences, often administered by Winston himself. The High Table, a council of crime lords governing the underworld’s most powerful factions, takes a keen interest in John due to his previous actions against them. Winston’s support of John draws the ire of the High Table.

In exchange for forgiveness from the High Table, John is tasked with eliminating Winston. Refusing to comply, John’s presence at the Continental prompts The Adjudicator, an agent of the High Table, to revoke the hotel’s neutrality. Pursued by High Table enforcers, John and Winston join forces for a climactic showdown. Despite Winston’s pledge of loyalty to the High Table, he shoots John on the hotel rooftop, setting up the sequel.

Director of John Wick 3 confirms that Winston shoots John to save him. In the prequel TV series The Continental, viewers gain insight into Winston’s backstory with the High Table. Winston’s defiance of the High Table, evident in his actions throughout the franchise, is foreshadowed in the series. Shooting John is Winston’s attempt to navigate a precarious situation while ultimately ensuring their survival.