Wick-er Man: The Return of the John Wick Universe

After three enormously successful John Wick films, with a fourth coming next year, the creators made the move to expand the John Wick franchise and create a prequel series, telling the origin story of the enigmatic hotel manager, Winston (Played by Colin Woodell) and his hotel, the Continental. Appropriately, the spin-off will be called The Continental.

According to collider.com, “The Continental will serve as a prequel special to the John Wick blockbuster film franchise. Starring Hollywood good-guy Keanu Reeves, the base films follow a highly trained assassin on a mission to find those who killed his beloved dog and hold them responsible. During the titular character’s travels, viewers are taken to the Continental Hotel, a safe haven for assassins to get a good night’s rest. Run by the hotel’s owner, Winston (Ian McShane) the only rule inside the walls is no killing. Picking up decades in the past, The Continental will follow the story of young Winston, now played by Woodell, and how he fell into owning the hotel. The series sets the owner up in a gritty 1970s New York City as he takes on the Big Apple one guest at a time.”

And, of course, the series is being shot in Budapest, using sound stages, and locations around the city. But don’t expect to see Keanu Reeves sidling up to you at a thermal bath, as the series covers the time before his appearance in the John Wick universe. That being said, the filming did bring at least one major star to the city, in the form of Mel Gibson, who was spotted around town dining on gyros and signing autographs. The Mad Max and Lethal Weapon actor was also seen in the small town of Csopak wine-tasting, and toy shopping in art-hub Szentendre.

As the series is still being shot, stills and clips are hard to come by. None-the-less, there is a fan-made trailer circulating, which you can watch below.

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