What is the backstory of the character The Bowery King, and how does he become the leader of the homeless network?

The Bowery King is a character in the John Wick movie series, portrayed by actor Laurence Fishburne. He is the leader of a network of homeless people in New York City, who provide services to assassins and other criminals. The Bowery King's backstory is only hinted at in the movies, but it is suggested that he was once a powerful figure in the criminal underworld.

In John Wick: Chapter 2, it is revealed that The Bowery King was once a member of the High Table, a council of crime lords that controls the underworld. However, he fell out of favor with the organization and was punished severely, resulting in him losing his power and status. The Bowery King then retreated into the shadows and built up his homeless network, which he uses to carry out his revenge against the High Table.

The character's motivations and backstory are further explored in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, where he plays a larger role. He offers to help John Wick in his quest for revenge against the High Table, and it is revealed that he has a personal grudge against the organization.