John Wick Prequel Series: Peacock and Lionsgate ink a multi-year deal for The Continental

Next year brings the debut of two John Wick projects that will leave you on the edge of your seat. First on the list is John Wick 4, releasing in theaters on March 24, 2023. The fourth chapter of the John Wick saga stars Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Ian McShane, Scott Adkins, Shamier Anderson, Clancy Brown, and more. Chad Stahelski directs the fourth installment, the longest chapter of the franchise yet. The second project is the John Wick Prequel Series, The Continental. Previously, the series was a Starz exclusive, but Peacock and Lionsgate struck a deal for the special event series to premiere exclusively on Peacock. In addition to hosting The Continental, Peacock will also stream the first three movies in the John Wick trilogy!

The John Wick Prequel Series falls under a multi-year deal for the highly-anticipated three-part special event based on the fan-favorite franchise. Premiering exclusively on Peacock in 2023, The Continental 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.

“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,” said 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.”

Per today’s official press release for The Continental, the John Wick Prequel Series is “told from the perspective of the hotel manager, a young Winston Scott (Colin Woodell, based on Ian McShane’s character in the films), who is 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.”

Woodell is joined by Ayomide Adegun, who plays a young Charon (based on Lance Reddick’s character); Peter Greene stars as Uncle Charlie (based on the fixer with a knack for “house cleaning”); 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 write, showrun, and executive produce the series alongside Albert Hughes, Basil Iwanyk of Thunder Road Pictures, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski, Derek Kolstad, David Leitch, Shawn Simmons, Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese, and Marshall Persinger.

Are you excited about The Continental? Do you think the series will be as action-packed as the John Wick film franchise? Let us know in the comments.