Summary
The Continental's executive producers reveal surprising origins of Winston Scott, showcasing his transformation from a street kid to a sophisticated hotel proprietor.
Winston's reinvention paves the way for his transformation into a formidable force and a valuable associate to John Wick, showcasing his intellect and shrewdness.
The prequel series will expose a distinct facet of Winston, casting a spotlight on his upbringing as a street urchin and his astute problem-solving skills.
The executive producers of The Continental, Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, shed light on the unexpected beginnings of Winston Scott and how it paves the way for his transformation from the prequel series to his character in the John Wick films. In the movies, Winston is the shrewd, well-connected manager of The Continental Hotel's New York branch, serving as a sanctuary for assassins under the authority of the High Table. The prequel series is set in the 1970s and explores Winston's rise to power as he assumes control of the hotel and becomes an essential ally to John Wick.
During a press event attended by Screen Rant for The Continental, Iwanyk and Lee delve into Winston's surprising origins. Iwanyk details Winston's journey of reinventing himself from a street kid to the sophisticated hotel owner that fans recognize in the John Wick franchise. Lee characterizes him as a "hustler" with a touch of cunning, while Iwanyk expresses his excitement for the series due to this intriguing twist. See the complete quotes from Iwanyk and Lee below:
Basil Iwanyk: In John Wick and the movies, the perception of [Winston] is that he comes from an aristocratic English background, like a baron, correct? What fascinates me is the notion that he actually grew up as a street child and transformed himself into a cultured individual in order to escape the world of labor that he was part of. If we were to follow his journey for say, 35 years, we would discover that he essentially educated himself in sophistication. It's a timeless tale.
Erica Lee: He's quite skilled at navigating various situations.
Basil Iwanyk: It's a quintessential LA experience, isn't it? You come here and completely transform yourself into the person you aspire to be. And that's what really captivated me about the show – the protagonist and his brother starting off as mere street urchins, engaging in various hustles, and gradually mastering the art of survival. I found it incredibly astute and immensely entertaining.
The Continental Will Change Fans' Understanding Of Winston Scott In John Wick
Winston, the owner of the esteemed New York Continental Hotel, has always been portrayed as a sophisticated and well-connected individual. His ability to resort to violence when necessary, combined with his association with John Wick, positions him as a trusted ally and confidant. Renowned among the traditional assassins of the High Table, his authoritative role and the admiration he commands have always projected an image of power and affluence. However, recent developments at The Continental may reshape this prevailing perception.
Although this may not be what fans were expecting, it shouldn't be a complete surprise. John Wick, an orphan who became a part of the High Table, has always been known for his distinctive suit and deadly skills. It seems that Winston, too, shares these qualities. This may give us some insight into the operations of the High Table and the kind of individuals they seek out.
While Winston appears to have taken charge of his own transformation, his intelligence, cunning, and determination to achieve his goals make him a strong candidate for the High Table. This opens up the possibility for an intriguing character development throughout the series. His background as a former street kid turned con artist demonstrates his talent for quick calculations, which have played a crucial role in the John Wick franchise. The Continental will showcase a different side of Winston, unlike anything fans have seen before, while also giving us a glimpse of his journey towards his future self.
The Continental premieres on Peacock on September 20.
