Secrets Behind ‘The Continental’s’ Epic Stairwell Shoot-Out: Considered among the simple pleasures of the “John Wick” movies, character development and dense backstory typically don’t rank high on the list. However, the world of streaming often leans towards long-winded narratives, a trait quite evident in “The Continental From the World of John Wick.”
This Peacock miniseries, while handsomely produced, feels like an unnecessary prequel, with a Keanu Reeves-shaped void. You may also check New Hulu Thriller ‘No One Will Save You.
Set in the 1970s, this three-part project (though it’s worth noting that the time commitment is somewhat misleading, as each chapter runs well over an hour) derives its greatest charm from its meticulously curated period song score.
These songs effectively evoke the mood of a gritty, shadowy New York during the disco era. In fact, these tunes, such as Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” contribute as much to the series as the signature Wick-style fight sequences do, making “The Continental” a worthwhile visit, if not necessarily a prolonged stay.
In this portrayal of a younger Winston, the character is mostly focused on his own entrepreneurial pursuits when his battle-hardened brother, Frankie (played by Ben Robson), steals something from the enigmatic High Table. This act sets off an extended and intricately choreographed battle of the punch-and-shoot variety.
Determined to locate Frankie, the High Table and the owner of the Continental, Cormac (played by Mel Gibson), resort to abduction. Gibson brings a touch of star power to the show, although the downside is his somewhat distractingly exaggerated, accented performance.
Achieving precise coordination was crucial because Stovall and the “Continental” team had to shoot a film-level fight scene within the constraints of a TV schedule. Remarkably, the entire stairwell sequence was captured in just one day of filming.
“Our quality matches that of a feature film, but our shooting schedule resembles that of a TV production,” Stovall explains. “While some fight scenes in ‘John Wick’ might receive three to five days for shooting, in TV, we have only one day.
Therefore, designing action sequences requires astute planning, as you can’t be certain of returning to the same location. We nailed it. This scene was our way of telling the audience, ‘This is who we are, and this is the caliber of action you can expect.'” You should also read Shocking Untold Tale.
From the World of John Wick” may not prioritize character development and backstory, but its 1970s New York setting and carefully selected soundtrack add unique charm to the series. While it might not fully escape the shadow of its cinematic predecessor, the show impresses with its action sequences and efficient production, delivering a quality experience for fans of the franchise.
