Who would have thought, almost ten years ago, that the film John Wick would be the beginning of a great adventure? With only four installments, Saga joins the caste of billionaire franchises. The fourth opus alone earned almost half that – more than $428 million worldwide.
The first film not only opened the door to the imagination of endless possibilities, but also revived the career of its main star, Keanu Reeves. With this role, the actor has since reclaimed the title of quintessential action figure.
The success is such that the saga of John Wick is no longer limited to Keanu Reeves and the cinema. From September 22, the Prime Video platform launched a spin-off series, The Continental, which explores the youthful years of Winston’s character and the past of this institution that welcomes many criminals.
Is it ironic? If the John Wick franchise became a true value, no one would want the first movie. That’s what Basil Iwanik and Erica Lee, two of Saga’s storied producers, also behind The Continental series, tell us. “When we finished the film, the studios didn’t want to buy it from us. We really thought we were failing all this time.Basil Ivanik recalls.
He follows: “We still feel like an indie, an outsider, an under-the-radar release. We have to try harder than others. It is this work ethic, both creatively and physically, that has kept us going.” Because yes, as surprising as it may seem, John Wick in its beginnings was nothing like a traditional blockbuster.
The first part is directed by David Leitch and Chad Stahelski, with a budget of 20 million dollars. More than a modest amount for an action movie. At the end of operation, it will bring four times more income – 86 million dollars. Today, Chapter 4 earns as much as a superhero movie.
I don’t think audiences want five or six hours of John Wick without Keanu Reeves.
“When we get the script and read the first page, there’s always something in us that says, “Could this movie change my life?” And it changed oursBasil Ivanyk admits. The fact that it has been so well received by critics and audiences has exceeded our expectations and continues to exceed them..”
The secret of this success, of course, lies in the team spirit. This is how Erika Lee analyzes it:Basil, Keanu, Chad Stahelski and I have been here since day one. I think it’s rare for a band to stay that intact and united. something special.”
Mel Gibson, the big bad guy from the Continental spin-off series.
Continental, the spin-off series, isn’t there to match the spirit of the films. “I don’t think audiences want five or six hours of John Wick without Keanu Reeves” – believes Basil Ivanik. With this spin-off, the producer wants to take inspiration from the Star Wars formula. He brings up the Mandalorian and Andor. Idea: Draw on Saga’s DNA to tell new stories with different tone and characters.
The three-episode series is just the beginning of a new era for the saga. A new film Ballerina is expected to be released in theaters in June 2024. Still without Keanu Reeves, but with Anna De Arma – who has already shown her full potential as the feisty heroine in the 25th James Bond No Time To Die.
The story follows the adventures of a female assassin who grew up as an assassin in search of her family’s killers. A revenge story, always but in a feminine way, hoping to reach a new audience. You never run out of surprises for fans of the franchise.
Commentaries collected by Thomas Desroches, London, 20 September.
Continental is available on Prime Video.
Source: Allocine
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
