John Wick Star Despises The Continental Spin-off That Ruined the Franchise: “I don’t think Keanu watched it”
The Continental, a highly anticipated three-part limited series, has emerged as a spin-off prequel to the immensely popular John Wick film franchise. Fans were eager to delve into the rich and intricate world of The Continental. However, a noticeable absence has raised eyebrows among enthusiasts – Keanu Reeves, the charismatic star of the John Wick franchise.
Adding fuel to the fire of discussions surrounding the series is a recent revelation from Ian McShane, a key figure in the John Wick franchise. McShane, who plays Winston, the enigmatic owner of the Continental Hotel, delivered a candid and striking critique of The Continental. In a bold statement, he described the spin-off series as driven more by financial motives than a genuine commitment to storytelling.
Ian McShane’s Blunt Critique Sparks Controversy about The Continental
The Continental, a prequel series to the acclaimed John Wick film franchise, offers fans a glimpse into the origins of the iconic hotel that has become synonymous with the world of John Wick. Colin Woodell takes on the role of a young Winston Scott, a character originally portrayed by Ian McShane in the films. However, despite the potential for rich storytelling, the veteran actor Ian McShane has unleashed a scathing critique of the prequel series.
Also Read: How Did John Wick Franchise Save Keanu Reeves’ Hollywood Career?
McShane expressed his dissatisfaction with The Continental, branding it as nothing more than a cash grab. Ian McShane told Movie Web,
“No, I wouldn’t watch it. I have no intentions – nobody – I don’t think Keanu watched it, neither has Chad. It had nothing to do with our movies. It’s just a question of a TV company cashing in on the series and taking the option to [air?]. They never asked us about anything so why would I be interested in seeing it? I’m afraid their arrogance in getting the show out is beyond me so I wish them well. I think it’s come and gone, hasn’t it?”
Following Keanu Reeves’ John Wick, Ian McShane stands as the second pivotal character. His statement reveals not only a lack of interest in the show but also a harsh judgment on it. This candid assessment leaves fans and critics alike wondering about the motivations behind the spin-off.
The Continental‘s Impact on the Expanding John Wick Universe
The Continental faced a diverse range of critiques upon its release, revealing a mixed reception within the fan base and critics alike. While some lauded its adherence to the action style others found fault in its overarching narrative. One notable aspect that did receive attention was the exploration of Winston Scott’s backstory.
Also Read: John Wick Anime: Will Keanu Reeves be a Part of This Series?
The show delves into Winston’s relationship with his brother, Frankie (played by Ben Robson), providing a layer of depth to the character not previously explored in the films. However, the general sentiment suggests that this character development alone wasn’t sufficient to fully engage audiences. Interestingly, the prequel series doesn’t seem to offer significant benefits to the John Wick film franchise as a whole.
It’s also worth noting the disparity in critical reception between the prequel series and the latest film installment, John Wick: Chapter 4. The series garnered a 63% critic score and a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, paling in comparison to the impressive 94% critic and 93% audience score earned by the most recent cinematic outing. This stark contrast in acclaim further fuels the debate surrounding the success and legitimacy of spin-off projects in expanding cinematic universes.
