The John Wick franchise has set a benchmark in modern Hollywood. The film series is recognized for its heart-stopping action and authentic fight choreography. Fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in this adrenaline-fueled world can now set their sights on the prequel series, The Continental: From the World of John Wick. Following its predecessors' reputation, the series promises a finale with a staggering '57 minutes' of unbroken action, a testament to the franchise’s dedication to delivering heart-racing entertainment.
The cinematic legacy of John Wick has paved the way for the series, but The Continental aims to be more than just a shadow of its influential origin. In a candid interview with Den of Geek, Basil Iwanyk, the executive producer who has been a guiding force behind all four John Wick movies, shared his enthusiasm about the project. Besides the series, Iwanyk is also invested in the spinoff film Ballerina, tracing the journey of Ana de Armas’ character in the interval between John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4.
Albert Hughes, known for his work on The Book of Eli, is the chosen director steering the ship of The Continental. Hughes acknowledges the daunting task of diving into a world as iconic as John Wick's. Drawing parallels with Jon Favreau’s approach to Star Wars or Noah Hawley’s spin on Fargo, Hughes emphasizes that while adaptations are not novel, the unique essence of John Wick makes this endeavor distinct. His promise of an action climax that spans nearly an hour solidifies the commitment to jaw-dropping spectacle.
The Continental’s Promise: Paying Tribute to John Wick’s Legacy With Fresh Intrigue
A significant factor contributing to the raw, immersive action sequences that fans associate with the John Wick franchise is the involvement of 87eleven Action Design. This esteemed action choreography and direction studio has their signature on blockbusters like The Hunger Games, The Bourne Legacy, Deadpool 2, and of course, the earlier John Wick films.
The studio's prowess in curating lifelike, dynamic combat scenes is undeniable. Their dedication to realism even saw Keanu Reeves, Hollywood's beloved action star and the face of John Wick, undergo rigorous training in kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and weapon handling to authentically portray the lethal assassin.
Consisting of three episodes, each an hour in length, The Continental: From the World of John Wick aims to carve its niche while paying homage to its roots. The creators aspire for the finale to spark enough intrigue and leave sufficient narrative space for potential sequels. However, as both Hughes and Iwanyk point out, the series' future hinges on its audience reception. Iwanyk succinctly captures the challenge, expressing the need for the series to establish its unique identity while ensuring viewers instantly recognize it as a branch of the vast John Wick universe.
Eager enthusiasts don't have to wait long; The Continental will grace screens in September 2023. For US viewers, Peacock is the platform of choice, while UK fans can catch the action on Prime Video. As the legacy of John Wick expands, The Continental is poised to be a thrilling addition, promising audiences an action-packed journey in a world they have come to love.