The John Wick film franchise will expand to the small screen later this year with The Continental. The new three-part series will act as a prequel to the popular films. One of the cast members attached to The Continental is actor Mel Gibson. As such, the series is now facing backlash by upset users on social media.
Mel Gibson is set to play a character named “Cormac” in the series. Of course, he was notably absent during the show’s first teaser trailer, and no details have been made available regarding his character. But that hasn’t stopped the backlash from making its way to the surface.
Here are some of the posts that Twitter users have made to vocalize their disappointment about Mel Gibson being in The Continental:
If I was too embarrassed to show a single shot of Mel Gibson in my trailer, perhaps I would simply not hire Mel Gibson in the first place https://t.co/UUejifkoNW
— Vinnie Mancuso (@VinnieMancuso1) April 12, 2023
It’s not that Mel Gibson proves cancel culture isn’t a thing. It’s that hiring Mel Gibson shows society actively doesn’t care about DV, racism, or antisemitism
— Dr. Mia Brett (@QueenMab87) October 18, 2021
He’s not even in the teaser LOL they must KNOW how people would react?
— Amanda⁷ (@itsmomochitters) April 12, 2023
Oh, the trailer for “The Continental” is out? And it barely shows the fact Mel Gibson is in it? Wow, I wonder why that might be!
Seriously, need to stress again, this was my most anticipated show when it was first announced and I just do not care now in one swoop. Total bummer.
— “Above Average” Eoin Mason (@EoinMason) April 12, 2023
I might have to skip the continental because of Mel Gibson. I’ll just stick with Keanu thanks.
— Khadijah of House Tyrell (@khadijasummers) April 12, 2023
Oh, didn’t realise that Mel Gibson is the star of The Continental: From The World of John Wick. There goes what interest I had
— David J Bradley, Come Home! (@DavidJBradley1) April 13, 2023
I completely forgot about the Continental series because it’s starring Mel Gibson 🤣
— Félagi Fighter (@FloodedStrand_1) April 14, 2023
a coworker said “The Continental, the new john wick TV show, is going to star mel gibson” and I don’t think i’ve ever gone from not knowing about something, to caring about it, to not caring even a little about it so quickly.
— Nick, Elon Musk belittling account (@NAJohnson) April 12, 2023
Of course, Mel Gibson has managed to make something of a comeback over the years. Despite numerous controversies across the last few decades, he’s still managed to direct and appear in quite a few projects. Some of these have actually been quite well-received, including his film Hacksaw Ridge which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Director. Though being part of the John Wick franchise – even in a prequel – is certainly a major step forward. We’ll have to see what impact it has on his career despite the current backlash.
The cast of the new series, which features Greg Coolidge and Kirk Ward as writers and showrunners, includes the following actors: Colin Woodell as Winston Scott, Ayomide Adegun as a young Charon, Peter Greene as Uncle Charlie, Mel Gibson as Cormac, Ben Robson as Frankie, Hubert Point-Du Jour as Miles, Jessica Allain as Lou, Mishel Prada as KD, and Nhung Kate as Yen. Actor Keanu Reeves, known for his titular role in the John Wick films, will not appear in the series.
Fans will be able to stream The Continental via Peacock in September 2023. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates on this highly-anticipated prequel series as we have them.