Ian McShane’s Take on Winston Scott’s Backstory: A Different Perspective
The John Wick franchise has captivated audiences with its intricate storyline and complex characters. One of the most intriguing characters is Winston Scott, played by Ian McShane, who has appeared in all four installments of the franchise. In a recent interview with CBR, McShane shared his thoughts on Winston’s backstory and the approach taken by the Peacock show, The Continental.
Winston Scott is a pivotal character in the John Wick universe, serving as the owner of the Continental Hotel, a neutral territory for criminals and assassins. He has been a close friend and ally to John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, and has significant influence in the underworld society. According to McShane, his character’s past was not fully explored in the prequel show, The Continental, which featured Colin Woodell as a younger version of Winston Scott. "I always, you know, there was a talk about, I mean, the television show that sort of prequel," McShane said. "They did whatever. I don’t know, it’s nothing to do with me."
McShane’s Vision for Winston’s Backstory
In the interview, McShane shared his own thoughts on Winston’s backstory, which differ from the narrative presented in The Continental. "I always thought, if you were going to do a background on Winston and Charon, they didn’t come from a criminal world," he explained. "They came from the world of, you know, I think more sort of like government, which becomes when you lead government, that’s when you become a criminal, or you’re a criminal when you’re in the government, and you just expand your horizons, your opportunities, when you leave, you know, these operatives." McShane’s vision for Winston’s past is rooted in his experience playing an aging assassin in the 2024 thriller American Star. "I mean, I did a film, my own American Star, which is a guy who’s worked for the government as it was a soldier, sniper," he said. "And what do you do when you leave? Your qualifications are limited, but lethal. So you go into the private business, you know?"
The John Wick Universe Continues to Expand
The John Wick franchise shows no signs of slowing down, with a fifth installment already in the works. The upcoming spinoff film, Ballerina, which features Ana de Armas in the lead role, is set to premiere in theaters on June 6. Additionally, an animated prequel film and a standalone film following Caine, directed by Donnie Yen, are also in development. Another show, John Wick: Under the Table, is also reportedly in the works.
As the John Wick universe continues to grow, fans may get to see more of Winston’s character in the future. While it’s unlikely that The Continental will return for a second season, the franchise’s expansion offers opportunities to explore Winston’s backstory in more depth. For now, fans can revisit the character’s appearances in the John Wick franchise and look forward to upcoming projects.
The John Wick franchise has become known for its intricate world-building and complex characters. With Ian McShane’s thoughts on Winston’s backstory, fans can gain a deeper understanding of the character’s motivations and history. As the franchise continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Winston’s character is further developed.
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Source: CBR
