A look at The Continental, the bloody prelude to the John Wick saga
Bustling 1970s New York becomes an epic setting for battles and betrayals in The Continental, the long-awaited prequel to the John Wick action franchise. This spectacular hotel, emblem of the saga, is the epicenter of this new plot where murderers from all over the world seek refuge. The project, released in weekly installments of around 90 minutes, immerses the viewer in a brutal confrontation for control of the hotel in the Big Apple.
Money, power and betrayals
For director Albert Hughes, being on the film set was like a “adrenaline boost”. The story introduces us to Winston Scott (Colin Woodell), a shrewd negotiator whose brother Frankie (Ben Robson) steals an old coin-minting press, essential in the world of assassins, in the hope of starting a peaceful life with his wife. Vietnamese-rebel, Yen (Nhung Kate). However, Cormac (Mel Gibson), the Continental’s insatiable manager and the brothers’ former mentor, along with his Nigerian assistant Charon (Ayomide Adegun), will do everything possible to get her back.
From apprentices to crime lords
Fans of the saga already recognize Winston and Charon as the key figures of the hotel, known for their roles as manager and concierge, played by Ian McShane and Lance Reddick in the films. However, what What stands out in this series is his complicated rise to powerall seasoned with amazing fight choreography, a captivating seventies soundtrack and a deeper introspection into human psychology.
“It’s about two characters from different backgrounds who find themselves in a traumatic situation and have to solve it,” says Hughes. He describes Winston as bold and daring, while the more naive Charon seeks a better life, although he is under the influence of a psychotic sociopath.
New faces, old wounds
Although the figure of the hitman Wick (Keanu Reeves) is barely a child during the disco era and is absent, new characters emerge with force, including numerous women of action. One of them, NYPD Detective KD (Mishel Prada), becomes, according to Hughes, the heart of the story, highlighting a crossroads between her and Winston. In this frenzy of bullets, bombs and karate, the Continental Hotel is reeling from so much destruction. With such a mess, someone will have to tip the cleaning service well.
The Continental will make its grand debut on Friday, September 22 on Amazon Prime Video. For its part, the expectant audience is already counting the days to immerse themselves in this plot that promises, at least, as much impact as its predecessor.
A legacy of action and suspense
For many, the world of John Wick is more than just a series of action films. It is a universe in itself, rich in details, traditions and a very peculiar code of conduct. The Continental is not just another building in New York, but a sanctuary for murderers where the rules must be strictly respected.
A look to the past
While the John Wick films offer us a contemporary vision of this universe, The Continental takes us to the roots, to the 1970s. A time where glamor and elegance They collided with the harsh reality of the streets of New York. It’s fascinating to see how some iconic locations, like the hotel, have stood the test of time and adapted to the changing dynamics of the criminal underworld.
Complex and multifaceted characters
Mel Gibson’s charisma as Cormac adds a new dimension to the series, showing a character who, although powerful, has his own demons and motivations. On the other hand, young Winston and Charon offer a fresh and renewed perspective, showing us the beginning of what would later become two pillars of the Wick universe. It is a journey full of ambition, betrayals and, above all, a lot of action. It is, without a doubt, a gift for all fans who wanted to delve into the legends behind the stories they already knew and loved.
