The Continental’s disappointing reception suggests obstacles for future John Wick spinoffs

John Wick has indisputably carved a niche as one of the most revered and widely celebrated franchises in Hollywood history. Its gritty action sequences, compelling storytelling, and charismatic protagonist have captivated audiences worldwide.

However, further developments have sparked controversy within the fanbase, particularly surrounding the spinoff TV series, The Continental, released by Lionsgate.

Keanu Reeves as John Wick

The initial reception to The Continental was met with mixed reviews, prompting concerns among loyal John Wick enthusiasts. Despite the tepid response to The Continental, news of another John Wick TV series, currently in development sent waves of excitement and concern through the fan community.
As discussions surrounding the new John Wick series continue to unfold, fans remain hopeful yet cautious, eagerly awaiting further details.

John Wick Director Confirms Another TV Series in Development

Chad Stahelski (via Instagram)
The John Wick franchise is expanding its universe beyond the big screen, venturing into television territory. In a recent interview, director Chad Stahelski confirmed the development of another TV series.
Following the prequel series The Continental, the franchise is set to introduce yet another exciting addition.

Stahelski, the creative force behind John Wick, expresses eagerness to helm episodes of the John Wick TV show, promising to explore fresh ideas not yet explored in the films. Chad Stahelski told Collider,

“Again, if something clicked with me, like, believe me, man, all the ideas that our group of writers are working on now, I swear to you, I like them all,” explained Stahelski. “If you told me tomorrow I had to do any one of them, I’d be like, ‘Cool, man. That’s a great way to spend a year.’ They’re all cool ideas, and I have ideas on how I’d execute all of them. That’s what’s so fun about keeping it going. And we’re doing a John Wick TV show, which, again, keeps my head going.”

However, amidst the anticipation, fans voice apprehension over the upcoming John Wick spinoff series, drawing parallels to the backlash faced by its predecessor, The Continental. There’s also a genuine concern among fans about whether the new spinoff can redeem the franchise’s reputation.

They’re milking this franchise for what it’s worth!

— Jodie Darrington (@realjd87) March 6, 2024

Despite these concerns, Stahelski remains optimistic, hinting at the potential for groundbreaking storytelling in the new series. He relishes the prospect of working with a different cast and experimenting with unique story structures outside the realm of John Wick‘s narrative.

However, the release date for the new series remains uncertain, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates.

The Backlash Against Mel Gibson’s The Continental

Mel Gibson in the John Wick spin-off, The Continental

The John Wick franchise found itself embroiled in controversy with the launch of its spinoff TV series, The Continental, featuring Mel Gibson. The show delves into the iconic hotel that serves as a focal point within the John Wick universe.

However, its fate took a tumultuous turn. Initially, an uproar erupted over the casting of Mel Gibson as the primary antagonist. Gibson’s troubled history, marred by instances of hate speech, domestic violence, and DUI, stirred discontent among viewers.

Adding to the discontent, Keanu Reeves, the star of the John Wick films, notably does not appear in the spinoff. This absence disappointed loyal fans who had grown accustomed to Reeves’ portrayal of the titular character.

Consequently, The Continental received a barrage of negative reviews, foreshadowing potential challenges for the franchise’s forthcoming spinoff movie and series. On Rotten Tomatoes, The Continental languishes with a meager rating of around 63%, a stark contrast to the consistently high scores of around 90% or above achieved by the John Wick movies.

Critics highlight several shortcomings of The Continental, including deficiencies in action sequences, visual aesthetics, and character development compared to its cinematic predecessors. The social commentary within the series is criticized for being superficial, while the dialogue lacks the sharpness that defined the John Wick films.
Furthermore, the show failed to deliver the innovation and excitement expected by audiences, resulting in a mixed reception overall.