Convention - SDCC 2023 : First Look at the Continental: From the World of John Wick

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center, Ballroom 20, 21 july 2023

Peacock's highly anticipated three-part event, The Continental: From the World of John Wick is set to offer fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek and a thrilling first look at the series. Hosted by Collider's Steven Weintraub, the creative team will unveil captivating moments from the show, which serves as a prequel to the action-packed John Wick franchise.

Developed by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, and Shawn Simmons, The Continental delves into the origins of the renowned hotel-for-assassins, a central piece of the John Wick universe. The story follows a young Winston Scott as he finds himself entangled in the dark underworld of 1970s New York City, confronting a past he believed was long left behind.

Directed by Albert Hughes and Charlotte Brändström, the show boasts the talented presence of Mel Gibson in a leading role. Coolidge and Ward take on the roles of writers and showrunners for the series. The highly anticipated premiere is scheduled for September 22, 2023, exclusively on Peacock in the United States.

The idea for a prequel to John Wick was conceived during the planning of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum in January 2017 by Derek Kolstad and Chad Stahelski. Recognizing that a prequel would be best suited for a television series format, they started working on the concept. In June 2017, the project entered full development and was officially titled "The Continental," centered around the sanctuary hotel for assassins in the John Wick universe. Lionsgate gave the green light to the project in January 2018, with initial reports indicating Chris Collins as the showrunner.

Initially, Stahelski intended to direct the series' first episode, intending to delve into the origins of several key John Wick characters. In April 2021, Kevin Beggs, chairman of Lionsgate Television, assured fans that the show's narrative would expand the John Wick universe while allowing for future film developments. After considering various creative pitches, Lionsgate opted for the vision presented by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, and Shawn Simmons, leading to the reworking of the show into a three-part event series with 90-minute episodes, following a young Winston in the 1970s. Coolidge and Ward took on the roles of showrunners, while Albert Hughes and Charlotte Brändström were brought in as directors.

In October 2021, the star-studded cast was announced, with Mel Gibson leading the way, joined by Colin Woodell portraying the young Winston Scott from the main John Wick films. Additional casting announcements in November 2021 revealed Peter Greene and Ayomide Adegun as younger versions of Uncle Charlie and Charon, respectively, while Jeremy Bobb was set to play a new character named Mayhew. In February 2022, Katie McGrath was announced to take on the role of "The Adjudicator," along with Ray McKinnon, Adam Shapiro as Lemmy, and Mark Musashi and Marina Mazepa as Hansel and Gretel.

Principal photography commenced in November 2021 in the beautiful city of Budapest, Hungary, promising to bring the gripping world of John Wick to life in an exciting new way.

Synopsis :
The three-part series explores the origins of the iconic Hotel for Assassins, the centerpiece of the John Wick universe. The series is seen through the eyes of young Winston Scott, who is drawn into 1970s New York to confront a past he thought he'd left behind. Winston charts a deadly course through the mysterious hotel underworld in a harrowing attempt to take over the hotel where he will finally take his throne.

The Continental : From the World of John Wick
Based on John Wick by Derek Kolstad
Developed by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, Shawn Simmons
Written by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, Shawn Simmons, Ken Kristensen
Directed by Albert Hughes, Charlotte Brändström
Starring  Colin Woodell, Mel Gibson, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Jessica Allain, Mishel Prada, Nhung Kate, Ben Robson, Peter Greene, Ayomide Adegun, Jeremy Bobb, Katie McGrath, Ray McKinnon, Adam Shapiro, Mark Musashi, Marina Mazepa
Composer : Raffertie
Executive producers : Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, Basil Iwanyk, Albert Hughes, Derek Kolstad, Chad Stahelski, David Leitch
Production companies : Lionsgate Television, Thunder Road Pictures, Summit Television
Original network : Peacock

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Photos and videos  : Boris Colletier / Mulderville