The Untold Backstory of Winston & Charon: Unveiling Their Origins Beyond the John Wick Movies

Summary

The Continental: From the World of John Wick is a prequel series that explores the origins of Winston and Charon, shedding light on their relationship in the John Wick movies.

Charon initially served under the antagonist of the show, Cormac, during the 1970s. However, his allegiance appears to change after witnessing Winston's brave confrontation with Cormac.

Prior to taking charge of The Continental, Winston led a life of deceit and trickery as a con artist in London, skillfully deceiving the affluent members of society. He ultimately returned to New York with the purpose of safeguarding his brother and seeking vengeance for his untimely demise.

The Continental: From the World of John Wick serves as a prequel to the John Wick movies and delves into the backstory of Winston and Charon. This new series, consisting of three 90-minute episodes, is set 40 years prior to the first John Wick film, taking place in the 1970s and chronicling Winston's journey to become the esteemed manager of The Continental. In the John Wick film franchise, Winston (Ian McShane) holds the position of hotel manager, while Charon (Lance Reddick) acts as the concierge and Winston's trusted confidant. The enduring bond between Winston and Charon has been a beloved aspect of the John Wick series, further emphasized with each subsequent release.

In John Wick: Chapter 2, Charon's role primarily involves caring for John's dog, whereas in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, he works closely alongside Winston in safeguarding the establishment from the Adjudicator. Tragically, in John Wick: Chapter 4, Charon falls victim to Marquis Vincent Bisset de Gramont, who purposely targets him to inflict the greatest impact on Winston. The cast of The Continental includes Colin Woodell and Ayomide Adegun, portraying younger versions of Winston and Charon respectively. Although the three-episode series predominantly focuses on Winston's relationship with his estranged brother, Frankie (Ben Robson), and his ascension to control The Continental, it also unveils the contrasting origins of Winston and Charon.

The Continental Reveals How Winston & Charon First Met

At the start of The Continental episode 1, Winston is abducted and taken to the renowned hotel to meet with the current manager, Cormac (Mel Gibson). Upon entering Cormac's lavishly decorated office, Winston is accompanied by Charon, who is revealed to be in Cormac's employ and obedient to his commands. Throughout the meeting, Charon remains silent, only engaging in conversation when instructed to escort Winston to the elevator. During this brief interaction, they exchange a few smiles, and Charon is visibly impressed by Winston's demeanor and fearlessness in the presence of Cormac.

Charon Originally Worked For The Continental's Villain Cormac

In The Continental, Charon is introduced before his encounter with Winston. This happens when Cormac discloses their relationship, mentioning that John Wick's character is a teenager in the hotel, likely 18 or 19 years old. Cormac points out the interesting similarity between the bond Charon shares with the manager and the one he has with Winston in the movies. Just as Charon remains fiercely loyal to Winston in the present day, he also shows loyalty to Cormac in the 1970s. Nevertheless, Charon's positive reaction to Winston challenging Cormac suggests that his loyalty to the concierge is starting to diminish.

Cormac is a hotel manager who differs greatly from Winston. Instead of respecting the hotel's rules, he focuses more on the power that comes with his position at The Continental. It remains unclear how Charon, at such a young age, became a trusted employee of such a powerful and villainous man. Series director Albert Hughes sheds some light on Charon's backstory at The Continental. Hughes explains, "You have this more naive, young teenage Charon who simply desires a better life and is under the influence of a psychotic sociopath, Mel Gibson's character, Cormac."

Winston's Job Before Becoming The Continental Manager Explained

Winston, now the manager of The Continental, had a different life before his days in New York. He resided in London, living a luxurious existence funded by his cunning schemes targeting the elite. At the beginning of his journey at The Continental, Winston finds himself in an opulent restaurant, engaging the affluent Mr. Davenport in a persuasive conversation about investing in non-existent car parks. To bolster his case, Winston fabricates a connection to Tony Defries, the business manager of The Who and David Bowie, even mimicking a phone conversation with the music industry tycoon. Additionally, he successfully enlists Davenport's wife to assist in the elaborate con.

While it may have come as a surprise to many, the sophisticated and debonair Winston, known for his impeccable ascot attire in the John Wick movies, had a secret past as a conman. However, this career choice is actually quite fitting for Winston's character, as he has always possessed a cunning and manipulative nature. He approached his encounters with individuals affiliated with The High Table like a strategic chess game, constantly outsmarting and outmaneuvering his opponents. In the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, Winston cleverly outwitted the Adjudicator, and in John Wick: Chapter 4, he masterfully played the Marquis, successfully regaining control of his hotel and ensuring the demise of his rival. Just like in the John Wick movies, the television series The Continental showcases Winston's prowess in manipulating and exploiting others, treating them like pawns on a chessboard to his advantage.

Winston Returned To The Criminal Underworld To Protect & Avenge His Brother

Winston did not make the decision to return to New York at The Continental. Instead, he was abducted and taken to the city after Frankie stole the coin press in the premiere episode. The motive behind Frankie's theft of the press remains unclear. Nevertheless, considering its ability to produce currency for the John Wick universe, its disappearance could potentially result in widespread disorder. Consequently, Cormac is relentlessly pursuing Frankie and even hires assassins to eliminate him. However, with Winston's presence back in New York, despite their complicated relationship — Frankie did not disclose his kinship to his own wife — they are still brothers, and Winston is determined to do whatever it takes to protect him.

During their meeting, Winston informs the hotel manager about his lack of knowledge regarding Frankie's whereabouts and asserts his indifference towards the situation, although only one of these statements is true. Following his departure from The Continental, Winston promptly embarks on a quest to locate Frankie's hiding place. Despite their contrasting circumstances and their prolonged separation, Winston remains committed to safeguarding Frankie and collaborates with him to elude Cormac's henchmen. After Frankie is ruthlessly killed by Gretal (Marina Mazepa) in the concluding moments of The Continental episode 1, Winston solemnly swears to avenge his death, proclaiming in the episode's final line his urgent requirement for "guns, lots of guns."

Winston Has Been Connected To The Continental Since He Was A Child

Set in the 1970s, the story of The Continental begins with Winston and Frankie in custody during their earlier years. Winston appears as a young child while Frankie is in his early teens, indicating that this particular flashback may be set in the 1950s. The events that took place between this scene and the 1970s remain unclear, although the show hints at Cormac playing a significant role in the upbringing of the brothers. It is also suggested that Winston already had some connection to The Continental during his childhood. The immediate unease displayed by Winston upon reuniting with Cormac suggests that something disturbing occurred in their past, implying that Winston's association with the titular hotel predates his role as the manager.