Warning: Major spoilers for The Continental episode 1 “Brothers In Arms – Night 1” below!
Key figures from the John Wick movies play major roles in Peacock’s The Continental, but how old are they in the 1970s-set prequel? Poor Mr. Wick certainly went through the wringer throughout the first four movies, and after securing his freedom at the end of Chapter 4, he died after earning a sense of redemption. Wick’s surprise death leaves the franchise in an interesting spot, as the studio clearly wants the money train to keep running, but both Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski seem content to leave the character in peace.
Regardless of whether or not a potential John Wick: Chapter 5 happens, there’s still more to come from the series. Movie spinoff Ballerina will star Ana de Armas – with a guest appearance from Reeves’ Wick – while The Continental will be the first fully Wick-free outing from the franchise. This makes sense considering the show takes place in the late ’70s, but a few familiar characters from the movies appear in younger form. If The Continental season 2 happens, maybe a few more characters – including a young John Wick – could make appearances too.
Winston Scott Is Approximately 30 Years Old In The Continental
The movies are great at world-building and lore, from the legend of the “Baba Yaga” John Wick himself to the history of the Continental Hotel or the High Table. Unfortunately, one thing it’s not great at is confirming concrete dates or the ages of its characters. The first three films take place over a matter of weeks, while Chapter 4 is said to happen around six to eight months after Chapter 3’s ending. There never appears to be a reference to the exact year the movies take place though, or the ages of characters like John or Winston.
It might be possible to deduce Winston’s age with some detective work, though. In the films, Winston is played by Ian McShane, who was 72 when the original was released in 2014. In John Wick, he also states he’s been in charge of the hotel for about 35 years.
The Continental’s opening scene takes place in 1955 when Winston appears to be about 10 years old, which would place his date of birth around 1945. The show is set in the late ’70s, which would place him in his early 30s during the events of the series, and in his late 60s during the movies. In real life, young Winston actor Colin Woodell is 31 years old.
Charon Is Approximately 18 Years Old In The Continental
Charon was played by the late, great Lance Reddick, who was 52 when the original film was released. Charon is the concierge of the Continental in the film series, who is unshakably loyal to Winston – which leads to his death in Chapter 4 – and a friend of sorts to John. It’s a little easier to guess Charon’s age in the prequel miniseries, where the role is played by newcomer Ayomide Adegun (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), who is 24 in real life.
However, during his introduction in The Continental, the manager Cormac (Mel Gibson) specifically cites Charon as being “a teenager.” This likely means he’s at least 18 to 19 during the events of the series, and thus nearing his 50s during the movies. The series also details the first meeting between Winston and Charon, where there’s clearly some kind of connection between the pair.
Charlie Is Approximately 45 Years Old In The Continental
Uncle Charlie is something of a deep cut for John Wick fans. In the original movie, after Wick wipes out the 12 assassins who invade his house, he calls a special number and orders a “dinner reservation” for 12. Charlie (The Warriors‘ David Patrick Kelly) and his crew then turn up and discreetly haul off the dozen bodies, for which John pays 12 gold coins. Charlie makes an appearance in The Continental too, played by Peter Greene (The Usual Suspects). “Uncle” Charlie and Winston have a personal friendship, with Charlie appearing to have been a good friend of his father’s.
Determining Charlie’s age in the prequel is much tricker than Winston’s. Despite The Continental and the first John Wick being separated by at least 35 years, Greene played Charlie in his late 50s while Kelly was in his early 60s. The character is clearly supposed to be older than Winston too. Assuming he’s at least 10–15 years older, that would place him in his mid-40s during the miniseries, and in his late 70s to early 80s during his John Wick appearances.
