Lionsgate has inked a deal with NBCUniversal’s that makes streaming service Peacock the exclusive premiere home of “The Continental,” a forthcoming prequel series to the popular “John Wick” movie trilogy.
The multi-year deal covers the three-part special event series, which will stream on Peacock in 2023. The miniseries explores the origin story and inner workings of the Continental Hotel, a key fixture in the John Wick franchise universe that serves as a refuge for assassins.
The deal marks a shift for “The Continental,” which was planned previously to show on Lionsgate’s Starz, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter. Peacock already has streaming rights to the first three John Wick action movies, starring Keanu Reeves.
"The John Wick films have become a global phenomenon, are among the most watched titles on Peacock and we are thrilled and honored to partner with Lionsgate to extend this incredible franchise," said Kelly Campbell, president of Peacock and Direct-to-Consumer. "We understand the value of a global franchise and Val Boreland and team knew that by bringing this special event series to Peacock and putting the full power of NBCUniversal behind it, the premiere of The Continental will be the streaming event of the year."
The John Wick movies have had box office success, grossing nearly $600 million worldwide to-date, according to Lionsgate. The fourth film installment, “John Wick: Chapter Four,” is slated for theatrical release worldwide in March 2023.
"John Wick has become part of the cultural zeitgeist with a massive, passionately engaged fan base around the world," said Lionsgate Television Group Chair Kevin Beggs. “We're delighted to partner with Peacock to continue expanding the John Wick Universe.”
In May Peacock closed a multi-year theatrical output deal for all theatrically released Lionsgate films beginning with the 2022 slate. The agreement covers movies going exclusively to Peacock and NBCUniversal for their Pay 2 window starting in 2024, including the fourth John Wick movie.
Peacock ended the second quarter with around 13 million paid U.S. subscribers