Fans of the John Wick universe, rejoice. Starz and Liongate are developing a television series adaptation of the franchise that will focus on the Continental Hotel. With multiple amenities including employees who dog-sit off-duty, the Continental is a refuge for assassins. But to break any of its sacred rules, such as shedding blood on Continental grounds, is to become excommunicado.
The films introduced us to John Wick, a man who had retired from the world of murder in favor of settling down with his beloved wife. But her untimely death left him bereft until a puppy arrived on his doorstep. But Russian thugs killed the dog and took his car, setting him on a killing spree that had the underground once again whispering of Baba Yaga, the boogeyman, and attempts to keep John Wick far away from any pencils.
Acclaimed writer/producer Chris Collins (“Sons of Anarchy,” “The Wire,” and “The Man in the High Castle”) will write the series and serve as showrunner. The show will be executive produced by a world-class creative team led by Thunder Road Pictures’ Basil Iwanyk (the John Wick film franchise, The Town, Sicario), Chad Stahelski (John Wick co-director and John Wick: Chapter 2 director), John Wick franchise screenwriter Derek Kolstad, along with Collins, David Leitch (John Wick co-director, Deadpool 2) and Keanu Reeves. Stahelski will direct the premiere episode.
The world of assassins we encountered in the films, which have grossed nearly $300 million worldwide, will be expanded in the series. Set in Los Angeles, the adaptation will keep the action and dry humor found in the films.
“This series is truly unlike anything else on TV,” said Chris Albrecht, Starz President and CEO. “’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.”
Senior Vice President of Original Programming Karen Bailey is the Starz executive in charge of “The Continental.”
No release date is currently set, but I’ll be eagerly awaiting additional news. And hoping that Keanu Reeves will make an appearance or two, since he is involved with the series.