Exclusive: John Wick Prequel Show Set to Steal the Show at Comic-Con, Despite Studio Backlash

Despite the withdrawal of several major studios from San Diego Comic-Con, The Continental, a prequel series to John Wick, will still be making an appearance. The miniseries will delve into the backstory of Winston Scott, as he establishes his own empire within the renowned hotel. Set in 1970s New York City, the three-part series will introduce both new and familiar characters, including Winston, Charon, and The Continental's proprietor.

Despite the absence of other prominent studios such as Netflix, Disney, and HBO, The Continental will be showcased at San Diego Comic-Con, as it is set to premiere in September. This comes as a surprise, considering Marvel Studios has already announced its absence from the event's Hall H presentation. While Lionsgate will not be presenting its film lineup, it will still be offering panels for The Continental, Ghosts, and Heels to attendees of Comic-Con.

Why So Many Other Shows And Movies Are Skipping Comic-Con

San Diego Comic-Con, a long-standing fixture in media marketing, is anticipating a significant decrease in prominent panels in 2023. This development is driven by the ongoing labor negotiations of SAG-AFTRA, the actors' guild, which has hinted at a potential strike if an agreement is not reached by June 30. The timing of San Diego Comic-Con, scheduled for July 20-23, coincides with the planned strike, meaning that many actors will be unavailable for major presentations.

Actors play a crucial role in marketing, as they embody the essence of each brand. One recent example of the challenges faced by studios is DC Studios' attempt to downplay the lead actor in The Flash due to criminal allegations against Ezra Miller. This obstacle has posed a significant hurdle to the film's marketing efforts, with Miller making only one public appearance related to the movie while otherwise shying away from the limelight. Although not the sole reason for The Flash's box office struggles, it certainly adds to the complexity studios face in the absence of their star actors. The Continental, set to premiere in September, finds itself in a tough predicament, as it has little choice but to proceed with or without its stars.

The Writer's Guild of America strike has caused many shows to be put on hold. This strike, which started on May 2, may even continue through Comic-Con. As a result, studios are facing difficulties in presenting new shows or finding alternative writers for their actors during panels. This means that San Diego Comic-Con does not have much to offer in terms of new content. Although some brands like The Continental still have something to showcase, the current state of Comic-Con falls short of Hollywood's expectations.