The Mind-Blowing John Wick Easter Egg that Breathes Life into The Continental Spinoff

Summary

Executive producer Basil Iwanyk reveals that upcoming spinoff series The Continental is based on a single line spoken by Winston in the original John Wick movie.

Winston has been managing the New York City Continental for 35 years, as mentioned in the first John Wick film. This detail served as the inspiration for the show's writers, who now have the chance to delve deeper into Winston's background and showcase how he transformed into the enigmatic and self-assured individual seen in the John Wick movies. Furthermore, the spinoff series could explore a darker aspect of his character, unveiling a more aggressive side.

The upcoming spinoff series, The Continental, was inspired by one line spoken by Winston in the first John Wick movie, according to Executive Producer Basil Iwanyk. Released in 2014, the original film unexpectedly gained popularity and introduced viewers to the main character, played by Keanu Reeves, as well as Ian McShane's Winston, the manager of the New York City Continental hotel. The Continental, set in the 1970s, will dive into Winston's backstory. Iwanyk recently revealed during a press event that this specific line spoken by Winston in the original movie served as the starting point for the spinoff.

"The irony is that the entire show revolved around an Easter egg from the first movie, which I can't even recollect. Supposedly, Winston mentions, 'I have been a part of this establishment,' or 'I have been running this establishment for 35 years,' and that served as the catalyst for the writers to come up with the idea. They were like, 'Do you remember that line in 'John Wick?' And we were like, 'We don't recall that line.' 'But there is a line in 'John Wick' and that's where we will begin.'"

How The Continental Can Improve Winston

Winston, much like other characters in the John Wick universe, possesses an enigmatic and captivating allure. McShane flawlessly embodies the role of the manager, exuding a distinctive charm and self-assuredness that hints at years of involvement in a covert network of assassins. Winston's captivating nature stems partly from the aura of secrecy that surrounds him.

By shedding light on one of the franchise's pivotal characters, The Continental has the chance to delve deeper into the intricacies of Winston's persona. If executed well, this show has the potential to make Winston even more captivating in the movies, as his unique qualities and characteristics gain greater depth within the newly provided context.

Furthermore, Winston's limited involvement in physical altercations in the John Wick films, except for the rooftop encounter where he shoots Reeves' character, presents The Continental with an opportunity to roughen his edges. It is difficult to fathom Winston attaining his power and longevity without getting his hands dirty, and the upcoming series can finally exhibit his prowess during his younger years. Although it remains to be seen how audiences will react to The Continental, this series is shaping up to be a captivating expansion of the John Wick universe.

Source: SlashFilm

The Continental premieres September 22 on Peacock.