Starz and Lionsgate are teaming for a new prequel series about the early days of “John Wick” character Winston (played by Ian McShane), titled “The Continental.” The new series focuses on the iconic hotel of the same name, which is a safe haven for assassins. The world of assassins these characters inhabit revolves around a secret group called The High Table, who control criminal syndicates with a violent iron fist, and apparently, everyone has to commit loyalty to them just to operate.
READ MORE: ‘The Continental’: Mel Gibson To Star In The Upcoming ‘John Wick’ Prequel Series
Variety has revealed that American actor Colin Woodell (“The Flight Attendant“) landed the Winston role alongside controversial hire Mel Gibson, who recently joined the project. Woodell is no stranger to TV series. Before landing the lead in the “John Wick” spinoff, the actor has appeared in the HBO Max hit, “The Flight Attendant,” as well as series such as “The Purge” and “The Originals.” On the film side, he’s expected to appear in Michael Bay’s upcoming action film, “Ambulance.”
In addition to the announcement of Woodell as the lead in the series, Variety also learned about a group of other actors that are expected to fill out the supporting cast. Those actors include Mishel Prada (“Vida”), Hubert Point Du-Jour (“Blindspot”), Jessica Allain (“The Laundromat”), Nhung Kate (“Swapping Fate”), and Ben Robson (“Vikings”).
“The Continental” is part of a slow wave of “John Wick” spinoff projects that includes the female-led film, “Ballerina,” which will be directed by Len Wiseman (“Underworld,” “Live Free or Die Hard“).
“John Wick 4” starring Keanu Reeves is currently shooting in Paris, France after spending a good chunk of time filming in Berlin.
Here is the show’s synopsis that pegs the setting’s year to 1975:
“Will explore the origin behind the titular hotel-for-assassins through the eyes and actions of Scott, who is dragged into the Hell-scape of a 1975 New York City to face a past he thought he’d left behind. Winston charts a deadly course through the New York’s mysterious underworld in a harrowing attempt to seize the iconic hotel, which serves as the meeting point for the world’s most dangerous criminals.”