John Wick guidelines. It’s some of the universally praised motion franchises starring some of the ubiquitously beloved main males in Hollywood historical past—Keanu Reeves. Three entries in, and the franchise has grossed greater than half a billion {dollars} worldwide. Every new entry nearly actually doubles the earnings of its predecessor, demonstrating {that a} swelling wave of followers is flocking to every launch, and all however foaming on the mouth for extra decadent violence. The motion is extreme and superior. Director Chad Stahelski’s time because the martial arts stunt coordinator and Keanu’s stunt double within the unique The Matrix trilogy clearly informs his notion of his star’s capabilities and the way finest to seize them. Whereas the beautiful motion set-pieces are definitely the principle attraction, the environment and world-building set it other than different invincible action-hero photos. The neon-infused underworld of assassins, gangsters, and the industries populated by the oddball characters who generate income off of them, appears limitless in its prevalence. One such establishment, which is featured prominently in every movie, is The Continental Resort in New York Metropolis.
The Continental Resort is an amnesty port in a world of wetwork. Patrons might go to the bar, take pleasure in a meal, or a room for no matter period they’ll afford. They might take pleasure in your entire bounty of providers and privileges of the lodge underneath the settlement that everybody is “off obligation” (aka, no killing) when on the premises—lest they incur the wrath of administration. The Resort is run by an enigmatic and beneficiant man named Winston (Ian McShane). Winston’s pleasant however formal demeanor is accompanied by a pointy glint in his eye and luxury that betrays his energy. McShane’s efficiency is flamboyant but refined and has helped pique the curiosity of Winston’s storied previous. Again in 2017, a John Wick spin-off collection was introduced with little or no data alongside the announcement. It’s been 4 years, developing on 5, because the present was introduced, and casting and story particulars have lastly began trickling out in latest months. Right here’s a rundown of the whole lot we find out about The Continental.
Editor’s Notice: This piece was up to date on September 17 with the newest trailer.
Picture through Peacock
Associated:’The Continental’ Filmmakers on the Resort’s New Look in ‘John Wick’ Prequel Collection
What Is The Continental About?
The Continental is a prequel collection set in New York throughout the Seventies sanitation strike that noticed town actually flooding with trash. Whereas it was initially introduced as a collection that may run side-by-side with the occasions of the films, even alleged to function Keanu cameos, it’s taking viewers again to the start. Lionsgate’s TV Chairman Kevin Beggs spoke to Deadline in April 2021 the place he revealed the present will observe a younger Winston on his path to the steward of The Continental Resort in New York. Given the 40-year hole between this collection and the movies, information of recasts is already spilling out. As he put it, “What we’re exploring in The Continental is the younger Winston and the way it got here to be that he and his crew of confederates discovered their means into this lodge, which we now have met for the primary time within the film franchise 40 years later.”
The collection’ ambition is exceptional. Between expectations, recasting iconic characters, and the standard of motion tv like Sport of Thrones and Gangs of London, The Continental has a number of hype to dwell as much as. Chad Stahelski’s early feedback on his hopes for the present belie the aspirations for the manufacturing saying, “Yeah, I’d like to present it a go and show to the TV world which you can have function motion on a TV present. It might be a pleasant little feather in my cap, certain.”
The official plot synopsis for the collection through Peacock reads:
The three-part occasion will discover the origin behind the long-lasting hotel-for-assassins centerpiece of the John Wick universe by the eyes and actions of a younger Winston Scott, as he’s dragged into the Hell-scape of 1970’s New York Metropolis to face a previous he thought he’d left behind. Winston charts a lethal course by the lodge’s mysterious underworld in a harrowing try to seize the lodge the place he’ll ultimately take his future throne.
Who’s Who in The Continental?
Picture through HBO Max
Getting into the loafers of Winston Scott is Colin Woodell (Unfriended: Darkish Net). He’ll play Winston with out all the ability he’s collected since his ascent. Woodell is joined by Ayomide Adegun, who will painting a younger Charon—a personality endeared to followers of the movies by Lance Reddick’s efficiency. Rounding out the recast-crew is Peter Greene (Pulp Fiction). Greene dons the fedora of Uncle Charlie, the tight-lipped physique disposal knowledgeable featured briefly within the movies. Getting into the collection as the most important identify on set is Mel Gibson within the position of Cormac. Little is understood about his character, however the legendary actor and director is becoming a member of a solid of assorted expertise—Adegun obtained his first appearing credit score on IMDB because of The Continental. Filling out the solid is Ben Robson (Vikings) as Frankie, Hubert Level-Du Jour (Physician Loss of life) as Miles, Jessica Allain (The Laundromat) as Lou, Mishel Prada (Vida) as KD, Nhung Kate (The Housemaid) as Yen.
The Continental is being run by Greg Coolidge, who’s principally recognized for his comedic writing, and Kirk Ward. They share writing credit with Chris Collins (John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum), Derek Kolstad (John Wick Collection), and Ken Kristensen (Joyful) on the present. Outdoors of the characters, it’ll share a considerable amount of the artistic minds in frequent with movies as nicely. Chad Stahelski, Derek Kolstad, David Leitch (Deadpool 2), Paul Wernick (Deadpool), Rhett Reese (Deadpool), and Shawn Simmons will function government producers on the present. Whereas it initially boasted Chad Stahelski as a director for one of many episodes, Albert Hughes (The Guide of Eli) is now slated to direct the opening and shutting episode, with an unknown director helming the center half.
Associated: ‘The Continental’s Director Is not Positive If the ‘John Wick’ Prequel Will Have Extra Seasons
Watch the Trailer for The Continental
The primary teaser trailer for the collection, set to Donna Summer time’s “I Really feel Love,” was unveiled by Peacock on April 12, 2023.
We received our first full trailer for The Continental on August 9, that includes almost three minutes of continuous motion. On prime of that, a number of stills from the collection have additionally been launched. On August 24, we additionally received a brand new behind-the-scenes video spotlighting the beginnings of Charon and Winston’s friendship. See it right here:
Peacock launched The Continental’s opening battle scene on YouTube days earlier than the present’s premiere.
When Is The Continental Scheduled to be Launched?
The present is scheduled to premiere on Peacock on September 22, 2023. It’ll run as a miniseries with three 90-minute episodes. The collection was initially going to premiere on the premium cable channel Starz, however in August 2022 it was introduced that it could be heading to the NBCUniversal service as an alternative. Kelly Campbell, President of Peacock and Direct-to-Shopper, stated the next in regard to the transfer:
“The John Wick movies have develop into a world phenomenon, are among the many most watched titles on Peacock, and we’re thrilled and honored to companion with Lionsgate to increase this unimaginable franchise. We perceive the worth of a world franchise and Val Boreland and crew knew that by bringing this particular occasion collection to Peacock and placing the complete energy of NBCUniversal behind it, the premiere of The Continental would be the streaming occasion of the yr.”
The collection can be obtainable to stream on Prime Video for these outdoors of the US.