In the vibrant world reminiscent of the 1970s depicted in the John Wick films, the question arises: Who would take on the role of the Continental Hotel’s volatile manager?
In the context of Peacock’s upcoming prequel series, “The Continental: From the World of John Wick,” set to premiere this Friday, September 22, portraying the character falls to veteran Hollywood actor Mel Gibson.
Executive producer of “The Continental,” Albert Hughes, who also directed select episodes, explains the casting process, which typically involves considering several high-profile actors for a single role. Ultimately, the decision-makers, including representatives from Lionsgate Television Group and Peacock/NBCUniversal, unanimously selected Mel Gibson to embody Cormac, the manager of the New York Continental. Cormac’s character takes center stage when a young Winston Scott (played by Colin Woodell) becomes the target of his attention, leading to a gripping manhunt while navigating the enigmatic Adjudicator’s (played by Katie McGrath) demands on behalf of the High Table.
Mel Gibson’s casting decision comes with the baggage of a controversial past spanning three decades, including anti-Semitic, racist, and homophobic comments, domestic abuse, and DUI incidents. This history has raised questions about how he continues to work in Hollywood.
However, Albert Hughes emphasizes that his focus was solely on Gibson’s on-screen performances and his ability to immerse himself in the roles. He acknowledges Gibson’s authenticity as an actor, comparing him to others like Shia LaBeouf, Tom Cruise, and Tom Hardy, whose performances are convincing within their respective film worlds. Hughes refrained from delving into Gibson’s personal life, stating that it was not his place to do so in the context of casting.
Regarding whether Gibson’s character in Episode 3 of “The Continental” had to be adjusted to avoid associations with his real-life controversies, Hughes suggests that the character was well-suited for the role. He hints at the character’s intriguing development in the episode, promising an enjoyable viewing experience.
Source: TVLine
