John Wick prequel series Continental is moving. The series moves from stars to NBCU streamer peacock.
This unusual move comes more than four years after the project began a statement Through a premium cable network. Sources told Deadline that the three-part action series is more naturally suited to Peacock, who recently acquired the rights to John Wick And it comes as Starz has rebranded over the past few years to focus more on women’s tailoring series such as stranger from home and series that fit specific demographics such as Energy Franchise business.
It’s not part of a collective move to move projects elsewhere ahead of the pending Lionsgate cable network sale deal, as next month’s announcement may come. Starz is not expected to have a second window.
Continental It will now launch on Peacock in 2023.
The series will explore the original story and inner workings of the exclusive Continental Hotel, the centerpiece of the John Wick universe that serves as a haven for assassins.
Narrated from the point of view of hotel manager, young Winston Scott, played by Colin Woodell, who is based on the character of Ian McShane in the films, is dragged through 1975 New York to confront a past he thought he left behind. In an attempt to gain control of the famous hotel, which serves as a meeting point for the world’s most dangerous criminals, Winston charts a deadly path through the mysterious underworld of New York City.
Woodell plays alongside Ayomide Adegun, who will portray young Charon, Peter Green, as Uncle Charlie, Mel Gibson as Cormac, Ben Robson as Frankie, Hubert Pointe de Jour as Miles, Jessica Allen as Lou, and Michelle Prada in The role of KD and Nhong. Kate is like Elaine.
And Keanu Reeves, who stars in the films, is not expected to star in the series.
Greg Coolidge and Kirk Ward work as writers and presenters continental, And executive production alongside Albert Hughes, Basil Ioannik, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski, Derek Kolstad, David Leach, Sean Simmons, Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese, and Marshall Persinger at Thunder Road Pictures. The first and third batches are directed by Albert Hughes, and Charlotte Brandstrom will graduate the second batch.
The deal was sealed by Val Borland, Executive Vice President and Head of Content Acquisition at NBCUniversal and Jim Bakker, President of Global Television and Digital Distribution for Lionsgate.
It comes before the theatrical release of John Wick: Chapter Four Which is due to be released in March 2023.
“The John Wick Movies have become a worldwide phenomenon, and are among the most-watched titles on Peacock, and we’re thrilled and honored to partner with Lionsgate to expand this amazing franchise,” said Kelly Campbell, President of Peacock and Direct-to-Consumer. “We understand the value of a global franchise and the Val Boreland team have learned that by bringing this special event series to Peacock and putting the full power of NBCUniversal behind it, The Continental premiere will be this year’s broadcast event.”
“John Wick has become part of the cultural zeitgeist with a huge and passionately engaged fan base across the globe,” added Kevin Bigs, President of the Lionsgate Television Group. “We are thrilled 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 start and has been excited about the opportunity to take it to the next level, Jim Packer and his global television distribution team, who have found the perfect setting for continental, and the creative group Lionsgate Television, which has created an impressive and enduring property that is one of the most awaited broadcast events of 2023.”