Prime Video reveals a first look at the characters and cast behind the brand-new prequel series The Continental: From the World of John Wick, arriving this September.

To celebrate this first look, award-winning illustrator Yuko Shimizu treats fan to a special piece of fan art. “I’m a huge John Wick fan so being approached by Prime Video to collaborate on this project was truly an exciting opportunity. The Continental Hotel is such a vital part of the John Wick franchise, and so with this art I really wanted to showcase it as the main character of the story, as the show does so brilliantly and to hint at what’s to come for audiences. There’s danger, there’s intrigue, there’s drama – all things waiting for viewers to discover as they cross through The Continental’s doors and watch Winston’s origin story unfold.” – Yuko, Shimizu, illustrator.

The three-part series will explore the origin behind the iconic hotel-for-assassins, which is the centerpiece of the John Wick universe. The show will be seen through the eyes of a young Winston Scott, as he’s dragged into the hellscape of 1970s New York City to face a past he thought he’d left behind. Winston charts a deadly course through the hotel’s mysterious underworld in a harrowing attempt to seize the hotel where he will eventually take his throne. The Continental: From the World of John Wick will become an additional series included in the Prime membership. Prime members in CANADA enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership, for just $9.99/month or best value $99.00/year.

Colin Woodell steps into Ian McShane’s shoes to play young Winston, while newcomer Ayomide Adegun takes up the mantle of Charon from the late Lance Reddick. The series also stars Mel Gibson, Mishel Prada, Jeremy Bobb, Ben Robson, Nhung Kate, Jessica Allain, and Hubert Point-Du Jour. Fans will love The Continental ‘because like the Wick films, it’s a wild, fun ride and it’s unique, it’s colorful, it’s bold, it’s sonic, it has a cast of characters that you’re not going to find in normal movies because of the world that we’re in.” Albert Hughes, director and executive producer.

Meet the cast of The Continental…

WINSTON SCOTT

Played by: Colin Woodell

Who is Winston Scott? Handsome, smart, cool, and collected, Winston is a savvy businessman who thinks outside the box. After a traumatic event put him in the crosshairs of the law, Winston was working as a successful businessman in London, when an underworld kingpin from his past, Cormac, sends him on a quest to find his estranged brother, Frankie.

Colin Woodell: “The Continental is a prequel story to the John Wick films, and if you have any familiarity with those films then you’ll know that this is a great introduction to the world. It’s about 30 to 40 years prior to when the films take place. We have all the producers from the films, so we have them overseeing and there is a really strict continuity to honour those and the style that they have in them. But what’s also wonderful is, this is the ‘70s, so it is going to be stylistically different.”

Kirk Ward, execute producer and co-writer: “I remember the day we did a camera test. Albert [Hughes] and I were looking through the monitor, like, ‘This guy is a movie star.’ And it’s those eyes. When you look at Ian McShane’s eyes, there’s this depth and sadness—there’s a big story in those eyes. It’s a tough thing for Colin because it’s big shoes to fill, right? How do you tell a story about a character that we know nothing about? But it just had to be Colin.”

CHARON:

Played by: Ayomide Adegun

Who is Charon? When we meet young Charon, he is a trusted assistant to Cormac. Over the course of the event series, Charon’s loyalties will be tested and he’ll need to pick between his protector and a potential found family.

Ayomide Adegun: “Charon grew up in Nigeria with his father, and he’s not from a wealthy background at all. He comes from a rich Nigerian culture, which is based on respect and loyalty. I think him choosing The High Table is to better his life. It’s just the search for stability and a better quality of life—I feel like that’s always in the back of his mind. Lance Reddick’s performance definitely inspired me. I think he was a great guy and actor. I’ve tried to see it from two perspectives. I could either see it as loads of pressure on me and crumble under that, or trust that my interpretation of the character will align with Lance Reddick’s portrayal of Charon.”

Basil Iwanyk, executive producer: “Lance Reddick has left big shoes to fill. That character was the classic character that you discover in filmmaking where on the page he wasn’t a big presence, but in the film, he’s a gigantic presence. Because a lot of what Charon does is kind of react, and we see things through his eyes. He’s not a verbose character. And so what we needed for that actor to play that, to fill those shoes: Someone that had a presence, had a dignity, had a nobility. Someone who is inscrutable, so you weren’t sure where his loyalties lie, or whether he agreed with what was happening. And also someone that had chemistry with Winston. Because as we learned in John Wick 4, they were very, very close friends. In some ways, he was probably Winston’s only friend in the world, and the loyalty there was incredibly deeply felt and emotional.”

CORMAC:

Played by: Mel Gibson

Who is Cormac? An intimidating force, ruthless, brutal, yet capable of charm, Cormac is a New York City kingpin who is the current manager at The Continental Hotel. Cormac has a history with Winston and Frankie Scott, and when Frankie steals something of immense value to Cormac’s superiors, Cormac drags Winston back into the criminal underworld. We’ll follow Cormac as his desperation mounts and his lunacy and anger boil over.

Mel Gibson: “He’s kind of like [Winston and Charon’s] mentor, or actually, mentor or tormentor, I’m not sure which. But he’s rather a nefarious character who’s like a father figure to them, and they perceive him that way when they’re young, but as they grow and begin to analyse who he really is, they realise he’s probably not the father figure he pretends to be. He’s pretty selfish in his own motives, and has used them in an ill way, and I think they’re burned by that and they want to get even. Rightly so.”

Basil Iwanyk, executive producer “The Continental that we meet in the TV show is probably one of the worst Continentals in the world. It’s decrepit, it’s corrupt, it’s messy. Cormac, who’s running it, is amoral and vindictive, and it almost mirrors the soul of New York, which is collapsing in on itself.”

KD and MAYHEW

Played by: Mishel Prada and Jeremy Bobb

KD is a detective in the NYPD with no patience for the corruption that riddles the force. Determined to uncover the criminal goings-on in the city, fuelled by a personal agenda of her own, KD will stumble into the world of The Continental and ultimately come face to face with a ghost from her past.

Mayhew is also an NYPD detective and KD’s superior, though there is more to their relationship than meets the eye. Married with kids, Mayhew has a soft spot for KD, and warns her in no uncertain terms to stay away from The Continental Hotel.

Mishel Prada: “KD really follows the scent of justice, follows the scent of Frankie, follows the scent of what she’s been looking for, and it’s not business anymore, it starts to become personal. KD is not somebody that really follows the rules. So, when she’s told, ‘Don’t go in [The Continental], that’s not for you,’ the first thing she’s going to do is go in there.”

“The relationship with KD and Mayhew is all about power dynamics. These two people have been disempowered by life, and they’re constantly, every scene that they’re in, there’s a battle of who is the one on top. And I think with KD, that is part of what starts propelling her towards really re-empowering herself and feeling like she can be in control of something, because that is really important to her, to not feel that life is happening to her, to feel like she’s happening to life.”

Albert Hughes, director and executive producer, on Mishel as KD: “Mishel Prada is just special. She was just so smart about her choices every single day. She brought weight to the character. We’re in this make-believe world of escapism and she grounds it. You need this kind of gumbo of flavours. And I think she’s actually the heart and soul of the series. She’s truly the pulse of what the story really is about, but you’ll have to stay tuned for Episodes Two and Three to find out.”

FRANKIE and YEN

Played by: Ben Robson and Nhung Kate

Who is Frankie? Frankie is Winston’s older brother and a natural-born killer. While Winston became a successful London businessman, Frankie enlisted in the army and was sent to Vietnam. Upon returning stateside, Frankie becomes one of Cormac’s most trusted men, before stealing a priceless object from the heart of The Continental Hotel, setting in motion a plot that will reunite him with his brother Winston. Little does Frankie know that his act of defiance will alter the power balance of The Continental Hotel for years to come.

Who is Yen? Yen is Frankie’s wife, who is prepared to endure any hardship to be with him, including living underground and off the grid after he steals something that puts them both in grave danger. Deeply suspicious of everyone, Yen is shocked to learn that Frankie has a long-lost brother, Winston. A fierce fighter who will stop at nothing to protect those she loves, Yen represents second chances and found family. She is also the deadliest fighter of the entire group.

Ben Robson: “Frankie has such strong values towards family, at a time when it was really difficult to keep family together. He really showcases what he’s willing to do for his younger brother in Winston, and how much he goes through to give Winston the best chance at life. The whole reason he did everything he did was to protect Winston and keep him out of the very world that he’s re-entered.”

Robson on the relationship between Frankie and Yen: “You’ve got two people who come from two very different worlds, both very misunderstood, both trying to find that place they belong. And when they do find one another, they have to overcome a lot of obstacles—different cultures, different languages—but they have a common language, of war. That’s their real connection to one another; they’re masters of it in their own ways. They’re both quite tortured as individuals, and the only time they feel at ease is in one another’s company. And so when anything tries to get in the way of it or rip it apart or threaten it, you see very quickly this trained animalistic nature within the two of them that will do whatever it takes to protect the other one, not just themselves.”

Nhung Kate:“She’s motivated by love and by revenge. When she realises that she can beat up anyone that’s hurt her, it gives her the strength to carry on. Frankie to Yen is like the light at the end of the tunnel. The relationship between them is very, very passionate.”

LOU and MILES

Played by: Jessica Allain and Hubert Point-Du Jour

Who is Lou? Smart and fearless, Lou is an expert martial artist who runs the dojo that her father left to her and her brother, Miles. Unfortunately, the dojo is a money pit, and Lou must reluctantly agree to work with her brother in his dangerous gun-running ring. Ever the pacifist, Lou refuses to use guns, but that creed will be put to the test.

Who is Miles? Tough, loyal, and smart, Miles is a Vietnam vet who got into gun running while abroad fighting a war he didn’t want to be a part of and for a country that didn’t respect him as a Black man. Miles runs guns with fellow vets Frankie and Lemmy, and his reluctant sister, Lou. Miles justifies his dangerous business as the only way to keep his late father’s dojo doors open.

Jessica Allain: “Lou grew up in New York without a mother in the home and had to be tough! Burton Karate is the only constant in her life and defending her family business is an endless fight. Martial arts is her only escape, a release from the hardships she’s had to face with losing both parents. A love hate relationship with her brother Miles brings her to The Continental, a place she associates with a world she’s tried to avoid her entire life. A young lady who tries to uphold righteousness, but somehow always ends up with a hand in the criminal underworld.”

Hubert Point-Du Jour: “Miles is the weapons master because he spent a lot of time in war—this show takes place in post-Vietnam by a couple of years. In the war, he picked up a lot of skills and understanding with weapons. His skills end up becoming very useful to Winston …”.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 rockets off to a big opening with $110 million from 4,450 theatres for this final installment in the Triology for Marvel/Disney. It gets raves from Critics with 81% on the Tomatometer. Best opening for the Series stil goes to the 2017’s second installment with $145 million in its debut.

Second is THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE, making it two films for Chris Pratt on-top. It makes $18.5 million this weekend from 3,909 theatres for Universal Pictures, a tally of $518 million over five weekends.

In third we have EVIL DEAD RISE with $5.6 million from 3,036 theatres for Warner Bros., a total $59 million over three weekends grossed.

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME MARGARET is fourth with $3.3 million for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures, earning $12.6 million it its second weekend out.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 rounds this Top Five out with $2.4 million for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures as well, bringing its seven week total to $180 million.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE takes the top spot at the Box Office a second straight week! Bringing-in a stellar $72 million from 4,371 theatres for Universal Pictures, a total $332 million grossed already.

Second place goes to AIR with $8 million its second weekend out from 3,507 theatres, a tally of $33.5 million for Warner Bros. domestically.

In third is RENFIELD, which stars Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult, opening with $7.9 million for Universal PIctures. It passes with a 60% score on the Tomatometer.

Fourth is THE POPE’S EXORICST with $7.8 million for Sony Screen Gems/Sony Pictures. It gets 46% on the Tomatometer.

Rounding things out in fifth is JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 with $7 million from 3,033 theatres, a total $159 million for Cineplex Pictures/Lionsgate.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE is en route to big things with a $137 million opening from 4,343 theatres this three-day Easter weekend for Universal Pictures/Illumination, making it the biggest debut for a film yet in 2023 so far, surpassing ANT-MAN & THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA‘s $101 million. This also becomes lllumination‘s biggest opening ever, besting all Minions franchise films. Critics weren’t sold though, with this getting 56% on the Tomatometer, but fan reactions have been strong with a 96% Audience Score.

Second goes to DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES, taking $13.6 million week two, a total $61 million for Paramount Pictures.

In third is JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 with $13.4 million, a three week total of $145 million for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures.

Fourth is AIR, debuting with $11.6 million for Warner Bros./Amazon Studios. This latest directorial effort from Director and Star Ben Affleck gets 91% on the Tomatometer and a fantastic 98% Audience Score.

HIS ONLY SON rounds the Top Five out with $3.8 million for Angel Studios, a total $11.8 million over two weeks.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES debuts atop the Box Office with $40 million from 3,855 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Following its premiere at SXSW, buzz for the Action-Fantasy has continued to grow and it gets a stellar 91% on the Tomatometer.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 isn’t too far behind in second with $30 million from 3,855 theatres in its second weekend for Lionsgate and Cineplex Pictures, a total $124 million grossed in North America.

Faith film HIS ONLY SON debuts in third with $5.8 million from 1,920 theaters for Angel Studios.

CREED III gets $5.2 million this weekend for Warner Bros., taking its five-week tally of $148.7 million.

Fifth is SCREAM VI earns $4.6 million from 3,106 theaters for Paramount Pictures, edging close to $100 million in its run.

It’s an incredible Franchise best for JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3, debuting at #1 with $70.6 million from 3,855 theatres for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures. Not only this, it gets 95% on the Tomatometer from Critics. Previous best opening for the Series was 2019’s JOHN WICK: PARABELLUM with $56 million. Four films in this weekend’s Top Five are all installments in Franchises.

Second is SCREAM VI with $8.8 million from 3,355 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Over three weeks, it has made $90.3 million.

SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS is third $8.5 million, a total $45.2 million grossed over two weeks for Warner Bros.

CREED III continues to perform well in fourth with $8.1 million also for Warner Bros. Over four weeks it has made $140.6 million.

Rounding things out in fifth is 65 with $3.2 million for Sony Pictures, earning $27 million over three weeks.

Toronto got a huge surprise tonight as international megastar Keanu Reeves made an appearance at the Canadian Premiere of JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4. This latest Film in the celebrated Franchise, got the Red Carpet treatment and then some as The Black Academy, presented the affair at Scotiabank Theatre. The organization aims to empower, elevate and promote equality among the Black community and one of its founders, Scarborough’s very own Shamier Anderson, also happens to star in the Film as Tracker. Director Chad Stahelski also joined Anderson and Reeves for an introduction of the Screening.

While there was originally a Red Carpet set to take place at the Premiere, the unexpected passing of star Lance Reddick, who stars as Charon, had altered plans for this, out of respect. Stahelski took a moment to remember Reddick when introducing the Film to the audience.

This latest chapter in the John Wick franchise has already received much praise, with Critics calling it the best film yet out of the four films. Toronto-raised Reeves also surprised the audience at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin last week.

See highlights below:

Though bittersweet, this was such an incredible night, and a special energy could be felt throughout the theatre as everyone was processing both excitement and grief at once.

Lionsgate and Cineplex Pictures release JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 March 24, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: George Pimentel/Mr. Will Wong)

Prime Video will launch The Continental, the highly anticipated special event series based on the blockbuster action franchise John Wick. The prequel is produced by Lionsgate Television, and will be exclusively available to Prime Video members worldwide excluding the U.S., Middle East and Israel in 2023.

The Continental is told from the perspective of the hotel manager, portrayed by Ian McShane in the film franchise – a young Winston Scott, played by Colin Woodell (The Flight Attendant). Throughout the series, viewers will follow Winston through the underworld of ‘70’s New York, where he will battle demons from his past as he attempts to seize control of the iconic hotel – a hotel that serves as a meeting point for the world’s most dangerous criminals.

Woodell is joined by Mel Gibson (Braveheart), as Cormac; Ayomide Adegun (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), who will portray a young Charon (based on the character portrayed by Lance Reddick); Ben Robson (Vikings) as Frankie; Hubert Point-Du Jour (Dr. Death) as Miles; Jessica Allain (The Laundromat) playing Lou; Mishel Prada (Vida) as KD; Nhung Kate (The Housemaid) as Yen; and Peter Greene (Training Day), who dons the fedora of Uncle Charlie (based on the tight-lipped body disposal expert).

“The John Wick films have created one of the most immersive, detailed and enjoyable universes we’ve seen on screen in the last decade” said Chris Mansolillo, Director, Content Acquisition, Prime Video. “We are extremely proud to play a part in continuing to build that universe, offering viewers an insight into the origins of the infamous Continental Hotel and its incredible characters.”

“We’re delighted to partner with Prime Video, which is always a world-class home for our properties,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer. “The Continental promises to be one of the major streaming events of 2023, and it will be a perfect fit for Prime Video’s global audience as the John Wick franchise continues to grow. This deal wouldn’t have been possible without Agapy Kapouranis and Chase Brisbin and their talented counterparts at Prime Video, who crafted a multifaceted agreement that reflects today’s evolving marketplace.”

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

The John Wick films have grossed nearly $600 million worldwide to date, with each film outperforming its predecessor. John Wick: Chapter Four is scheduled for theatrical release worldwide on March 24, 2023.

(Photo credit: Lionsgate)

Mongrel Media and Lionsgate are partnering for a special four week initiative where some of Lionsgate‘s biggest blockbusters will stream free starting tonight for four consecutive weeks. Lionsgate Live! A Night at the Movies will give Moviegoers a chance to stream the likes of LA LA LAND, THE HUNGER GAMES, DIRTY DANCING and JOHN WICK on Mongrel Media‘s YouTube Channel here. Even better, KNIVES OUT star Jamie Lee Curtis will be hosting.

The free movies that will livestream on Fridays at 6:00pm PT/9:00pm ET are:
April 17 – “The Hunger Games”
April 24 – “Dirty Dancing”
May 1 – “La La Land”
May 8 – “John Wick” (age registration required)

You also may donate, with proceeds going to the CANADIAN PICTURE PIONEERS, who will be donating funds to theatre employees for relief during these challenging times. There is a Donate button on their mainpage.

Happy streaming!

(Photo/video credit: Lionsgate Films)

TOY STORY 4 prevails again a second week at the Box Office, taking $56 million in week two from 4,575 theatres for Disney, taking it to $235 million in a two week run thus far.

ANNEBELLE COMES HOME lands a distant second with $16.4 million in its debut from 3,613 theatres for Warner Bros. Franchise best still belongs to the first Film in the Series, with $37.1 million back in 2014. It gets 69% on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.

YESTERDAY debuts in third with $15 million from 2,603 theatres for Universal Pictures. The latest from Danny Boyle gets 61% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

ALADDIN is in fourth with $8.8 million, a total $305 million grossed in North American to date for Disney.

AVENGERS:ENDGAME gets a re-release with additional footage, placing in fifth with $6.3 million from 2,025 theatres for Disney.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM rounds-out this Top Ten with $2.5 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films.