The Explosive Art of Gunplay: A Look at How The Continental Brings John Wick to Life

Crafting the Wild Gunplay of John Wick in The Continental

Introduction

The John Wick movies have captivated audiences with their thrilling and meticulously choreographed gun-fu sequences, earning a dedicated fan base. Now, the spin-off series, The Continental, seeks to bring that same level of action and excitement to the small screen. In this behind-the-scenes look, we explore the meticulous planning, unique challenges, and creative choices that go into creating the wild gunplay of The Continental.

Affectionately Dubbed “Gun-Fu”

The heart of the John Wick franchise lies in its signature “gun-fu,” a frenetic blend of blades and bullets in a carefully choreographed dance of action. The Continental understands this deep connection between the fans and the series, evident from its very first episode, which kicks off with an exhilarating action sequence. While Keanu Reeves may be absent from the prologue, Vikings’ Ben Robson steps in to deliver a thrilling performance as out-of-his-game hitman Frankie. Set in the ’70s, Frankie finds himself at the iconic titular hotel, embroiled in a pulse-pounding battle against a multitude of faceless hitmen.

A Unique Take on Gun-Fu

The freedom of streaming TV allows The Continental to push the boundaries of on-screen violence. Free from the constraints of movie censors, the series embraces a more visceral and bloodier approach to the action. The rapid headshots are adorned with joyful, yet silly, puffs of red mist. Action director Larnell Stovell and his team were tasked with finding a unique voice for The Continental while staying true to the franchise’s beloved run’n’gun style. Their objective was to create an experience that felt fresh, gritty, and reflective of the ’70s setting. Stovell acknowledges that the techniques used may not be as polished, adding to the authenticity of the era.

The Importance of Planning

Before diving into the action, months of meticulous planning are crucial to bring the gunplay to life. Stovell, showrunner Kirk Ward, and director Albert Hughes collaborate closely to dissect the script and understand the demands of the action scenes. They study examples, discuss style and tone, and work on finding the right balance.

A Low-Budget Approach

To test the viability of their planned sequences, Stovell’s team shoots rough draft versions of the action sequences. Using a mini-replica of the set, constructed from boxes and whatever materials are readily available, they assess the feasibility of the choreography. Will there be enough space for actors to perform their moves convincingly? This low-budget approach ensures that the final product aligns with their vision.

Training the Actors

The actors of The Continental are given approximately two weeks to master the intricacies of the choreography. This training process resembles a medical examination during a football transfer. Stovell takes into account any pre-existing injuries or physical limitations the actors may have. He also explores their background in sports, such as baseball, cricket, or rugby, to leverage their physical advantages. For example, an actor with a baseball background might excel at throwing powerful punches, while someone else might be agile at throwing adversaries down a flight of stairs. This tailored approach enhances the realism and uniqueness of each actor’s combat style.

The Art of Gunplay

Gunplay is a crucial component of the John Wick universe, and The Continental is no exception. The production team consciously incorporates gun safety into every aspect of the show. They enlisted the same expert firearms instructors who trained Keanu Reeves for the movies. These instructors traveled to Budapest, where The Continental was filmed, to teach Robson how to handle guns safely, with precision and tactical prowess.

Using Airsoft Replicas and Digital Effects

In line with industry-wide shifts toward gun safety, The Continental opts for BB-spitting airsoft replicas instead of blanks. All gun effects, including copious blood splatters and flash effects, are added digitally during post-production. This decision not only ensures the safety of everyone involved but also saves time cleaning up physical debris on set. The combination of airsoft replicas and digital effects creates a visually stunning and safer on-set experience.

An Exciting Addition to the Franchise

The Continental is set to stream on Prime Video, delighting fans of the John Wick series with its commitment to delivering exhilarating action and maintaining the essence of gun-fu that has made the franchise so beloved. It is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the team behind the scenes, as they work tirelessly to craft immersive and thrilling gunplay for viewers to enjoy.

Conclusion

The gun-fu in the John Wick franchise has become synonymous with adrenaline-pumping action. The Continental aims to continue this tradition by bringing the wild gunplay to the small screen. Through careful planning, tailored actor training, and a commitment to gun safety, the series introduces a fresh take on the beloved action style. As fans eagerly await its release on Prime Video, they can look forward to being immersed in the gritty and visceral world of The Continental.