We've been hearing about a potential John Wick spin-off series ever since I interviewed Chapter 2 director Chad Stahelski this time last year. Since then, the show's been titled The Continental, and branded a "prequel" to the events of the "super assassin and his dog" franchise, focusing on the international hotel chain where these killers go to have a beer, tool up, and think about existential shit.
According to another interview the director gave, he's been working with writer Derek Kolstad on outlining the series to include the hotels' staff members, as well as Wick's murderous colleagues. Stahelski even teased an appearance by the man himself - saying that Reeves' now iconic title character would possibly make a cameo. No network had officially signed up for the series as of yet, but it seemed like all the right things were being said to keep fans thirsty for more.
Well, it looks like The Continental now has a home at the premium network Starz. Starz President & CEO Chris Albrecht announced today at the Television Critics Association Winter 2018 Press Tour that the network and Lionsgate are officially developing the show. Chris Collins (Sons of Anarchy, The Wire) will write the series and serve as showrunner, which will be executive produced by John Wick's Basil Iwanyk, Stahelski, and Kolstad, along with Collins, David Leitch, and Keanu Reeves.
For those worried about whether or not the miraculous action set pieces from the films will make it to the small screen, Albrecht assures us:
“This series is truly unlike anything else on TV. The Continental promises to include the thunderous fight sequences and intensely staged shootouts between professional assassins and their targets that fans have come to expect in the John Wick movie franchise as well as introducing some new, darkly compelling characters who inhabit this underground world.”
Perhaps most exciting of all is the fact that Stahelski will direct the premiere episode, setting the visual template for the show moving forward. I don't know about you, but I'm damn glad this is happening, as I could use a weekly dose of Wick in my life (especially if Chapter 3 brings John's tale to a close, allowing him and his dog to finally rest in peace). No targeted premiere date's been announced yet, but you can bet your ass you'll know as soon as we do.