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Peacock and Lionsgate Ink Deal to Expand ‘John Wick’ Universe with Prequel Series

A three-part special, ‘The Continental,’ will explore the origin story and inner workings of the exclusive hotel, which serves as a refuge for assassins and a centerpiece of the hugely popular franchise; the limited series will hit the streamer in 2023.

To the delight of fans, the hugely popular John Wick franchise is destined to continue with The Continental, a three-part special event announced by Peacock and Lionsgate as part of their recently signed multi-year deal. The limited series will explore the origin story and inner workings of the exclusive Continental Hotel, a centerpiece of the John Wick Universe, which serves as a refuge for assassins. It will premiere exclusively on the streamer in 2023.

“The John Wick films have become a global phenomenon, are among the most watched titles on Peacock, and we are thrilled and honored to partner with Lionsgate to extend this incredible franchise,” said Kelly Campbell, President, Peacock and Direct-to-Consumer. “We understand the value of a global franchise, and Val Boreland and team knew that by bringing this special event series to Peacock and putting the full power of NBCUniversal behind it, the premiere of The Continental will be the streaming event of the year.”

John Wick has become part of the cultural zeitgeist with a massive, passionately engaged fan base around the world,” added Lionsgate Television Group Chair Kevin Beggs.  “We’re delighted to partner with Peacock to continue expanding the John Wick Universe.  This agreement reflects the collaboration of our Motion Picture Group, which has grown the franchise from the beginning and was excited by the opportunity to bring it to the next level, Jim Packer and his Worldwide Television Distribution team, which found the perfect home for The Continental, and the Lionsgate Television creative group, which created a brilliant and enduring property that is one of the most highly-anticipated streaming events of 2023.”

Told from the perspective of the hotel manager, a young Winston Scott (Colin Woodell, based on Ian McShane’s character in the films), The Continental sees the character dragged through 1975 New York to face a past he thought he’d left behind. In an attempt to seize control of the iconic hotel, which serves as a meeting point for the world’s most dangerous criminals, Winston charts a deadly course through the mysterious underworld of New York City.

Joining Woodell in the cast are Ayomide Adegun (as a young Charon based on Lance Reddick’s character); Peter Greene (based on the tight-lipped body disposal expert); Mel Gibson (as Cormac); Ben Robson (as Frankie); Hubert Point-Du Jour (as Miles); Jessica Allain (as Lou); Mishel Prada (as KD); and Nhung Kate (as Yen). 

Greg Coolidge and Kirk Ward serve as writers and showrunners and executive produce alongside Albert Hughes, Thunder Road Pictures’ Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee; Chad Stahelski; Derek Kolstad; David Leitch; Shawn Simmons; Paul Wernick; Rhett Reese and Marshall Persinger.  Hughes directs the first and third episodes, and Charlotte Brandstrom directs the second.

Leading the negotiations were Val Boreland, EVP and Head of Content Acquisitions for NBCUniversal, and Jim Packer, President of Worldwide Television and Digital Distribution for Lionsgate.

The John Wick films have grossed nearly $600 million worldwide, with each film outperforming its predecessor. John Wick: Chapter Four is set for theatrical release worldwide March 2023. 

Source: Lionsgate

Debbie Diamond Sarto's picture

Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.