Although only appearing briefly, Daisy the puppy in “John Wick” plays a very important role in the movie. The four-legged character once broke the hearts of many viewers when she died.

In John Wick (2014), retired assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is trying to come to terms with his single life. His wife recently passed away. Before she died, she gave him a puppy to keep him company.

One night, John Wick’s house was attacked by robbers. The thieves stole his car and killed his dog. The “Bogeyman” decided to return to the world, determined to hunt down and kill everyone related to the robbers who killed his four-legged friend.

The dog that plays Daisy on screen

When John Wick first hit theaters, audiences were eager to learn more about the beagle that played Daisy in the film. David Leitch and Chad Stahelski, the directors of John Wick, shared that they tried to choose a truly adorable dog to make the onscreen death more impactful for audiences.

Daisy’s death is what sets the movie, and the entire action franchise, in motion. Photo: Lionsgate .

“John Wick starts building a new life with his dog,” Leitch told USA Today . “And then, right away, his chance to be the man his late wife wanted him to be is taken away. Then, he goes back to being the anti-hero that audiences expect to see. We did everything we could to make the audience feel for the assassin on screen.”

Kim Krafsky, a dog trainer for Animal Actors International, told USA Today that a male beagle named Andy landed the role. Andy has all the makings of a star.

“He melts hearts with his eyes,” Krafsky explains. “Andy’s personality is perfect for the job. Andy and Keanu get along great on set. But who doesn’t love puppies?”

Andy the dog on set

In another interview with the New York Post , Krafsky shared more details about Andy and the story behind his big role. According to the trainer, the first important issue was the breed.

“The dog for the role had to meet a few criteria. First, it had to be cute. Not too big or too small, just the right size to hug, with big, sad eyes. The dog also had to be outgoing, tame, and of course, handsome. The dog had to meet all of those requirements,” he said.

Playing Daisy in the film is beagle Andy. Photo: Lionsgate .

It’s no surprise that Andy – the exceptionally friendly dog ​​- became a favorite on set. Not only did he stick with Reeves, Andy also made Omer Barnea, the actor who had to kill the dog on film, feel extremely guilty.

“Barnea felt terrible about that scene,” Krafsky recalled. “Every time the director said ‘Cut,’ he would pick Andy up and pet him.”

After the film wrapped, Andy had the opportunity to appear on the red carpet at a few premiere events with Keanu Reeves. Now, he is back at the Animal Actors International farm in New Jersey, waiting for his next role.

As for John Wick, from John Wick: Chapter 2 , the assassin has found a new companion. He befriends a fierce, but at the same time extremely loyal pitbull.

Dogs continue to play an important role in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum , even appearing in the film’s most impressive action scene.