Unveiling the Unmatched Expansion: The Untold Dimensions of John Wick Unleashed by Peacock's The Continental
The Continental takes the John Wick franchise to new heights by transporting viewers to the thrilling 1970s, delivering an action-packed, nostalgia-filled TV series that surpasses the movies
The four John Wick movies provide a complete story about the assassin portrayed by Keanu Reeves. However, there is much more to explore about the world he operates in. This is where The Continental: From The World of John Wick comes into play. This three-part streaming miniseries, which premieres on Friday on Peacock, serves as something of an origin story for the film franchise. It delves into the backstory of Winston, played by Ian McShane in the films, and how he came to be in control of the assassin-infested Continental hotel in the 1970s. Additionally, the miniseries explores the backstory of Lance Reddick's character, Charon, who is Winston's most trusted employee in the films. By doing so, it provides a deeper context to the franchise and also presents a nostalgic flavor of the '70s, encompassing aspects such as music, fashion, and cultural awakening.
"You just can't help but get excited, because let me tell you what was happening culturally in New York City at that time. You had Studio 54, with all its glitz and glamour, you had the sanitation strikes making a statement, and you had the vibrant life and flavor that engulfed the city. The sounds, the smells, the rich culture... it was truly something unparalleled," expressed Albert Hughes, the director of the first and third episodes, in an exclusive interview with Our Website. "New York City is one of the few places on this planet where you can confidently say, 'I don't know any other city with such an astounding mix of cultures and diversity, where encountering and mingling with people from different backgrounds is inevitable.' And that is exactly what this city embodies, capturing the essence of the American dream."
Now, with the opportunity to delve into this world through three 90-minute installments, The Continental's team found themselves entrusted with a trilogy of films to unfold a singular, yet captivating story. This generous scope allows for an unparalleled level of character development, surpassing the typical boundaries imposed on the primary stars of a single movie.
According to Hughes, in order to enhance the content, it is necessary to introduce new characters beyond Winston and Charon, while also delving deeper into mythology, mystery, and rules. The beauty of the film series lies in its ability to leave unanswered questions and maintain a certain level of vagueness. Some aspects may even lack logical consistency, allowing the audience to piece together their own interpretations and fan theories.
With the introduction of The Continental, fans who enjoy speculating and theorizing will have even more material to dissect, as they attempt to unravel the complete timeline of this renowned hotel from the movies. However, it is not just the character development that differentiates the show from the films. Hughes highlights that the show also possesses a distinct sense of humor.
After all, the John Wick movies often deliver laughter, predominantly through the comedic action sequences. However, in The Continental, the opportunity to delve deeper into character and storyline allows for an abundance of dialogue, surpassing expectations for a typical John Wick narrative. It is within this aspect that Hughes and the Continental team discovered their sources of amusement.
"The TV series deviates slightly as some of the humor is more verbally expressed," he explained, while also emphasizing the significant role that music plays in the show. The significance of the soundtrack cannot be overstated, as it is enriched with '70s tracks that seamlessly blend into this older and grittier version of New York City.The content helps viewers immerse themselves in the retro atmosphere of the series, providing a distinct contrast to the slightly futuristic style of the John Wick films. Expect a reduction in neon lights and cell phones, and an increase in classic cars and superb vintage fashion.
Fear not, however. The show is still called The Continental: From the World of John Wick and still delivers the action-packed set-pieces that you would expect from the movies. It is just not as frenetic, with one fight sequence followed immediately by five more fights. This change is refreshing, especially in anticipation of the upcoming Ballerina spin-off film next year, which will bring the world of Wick back to the big screen.
The Continental airs Fridays on Peacock.
