Viggo Tarasov

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. The source notes that 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.

In Their Own Story

Viggo Tarasov's story is told through the aftermath of his death in John Wick: Chapter 2. The source states that Abram Tarasov, Viggo's brother, is 'highly strung following the recent deaths of his nephew Iosef and brother Viggo at John's hands.' This places Viggo as a central figure in the events that drive John Wick back into action. John's infiltration of Abram's compound to recover his stolen Mustang is a direct result of the conflict with Viggo and Iosef. Viggo's death, along with Iosef's, leaves Abram as the last major figure of the Tarasov family, and John spares Abram under a promise of peace. Viggo's legacy is one of power lost to a legendary hitman, setting the stage for the sequel's exploration of John's past and the blood oath that forces him back into the underworld.

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, both of whom were killed by John Wick in the first film. The source describes Abram as 'the last of the Tarasov family's major figures,' indicating that Viggo's death removed a major power from the New York criminal underworld. 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.

Did You Know?

• Viggo Tarasov is the brother of Abram Tarasov, who appears in John Wick: Chapter 2 as a Russian crime boss in New York City.
• Viggo was killed by John Wick in the events of the first film, along with his son Iosef, leaving Abram as the last major figure of the Tarasov family.
• The source describes Abram as 'highly strung following the recent deaths of his nephew Iosef and brother Viggo at John's hands.'
• John Wick's infiltration of Abram's smuggling compound to recover his stolen Boss 429 Mustang is a direct consequence of the conflict with Viggo and Iosef.