While Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves became the dream team with the John Wick franchise, veteran Hollywood star Ian McShane’s presence in the films is also one of the reasons for the series’ blockbuster success. The octogenarian’s character Winston Scott who is the charismatic owner of the New York Continental hotel, is pivotal to not only the plot of the film, but also to the titular protagonist John Wick’s development over the 4 films.
McShane will reprise his role once again in 2024’s Ballerina which is a spinoff film based on the assassin Rooney starring Ana De Armas. In an appearance to promote his latest film American Star, the veteran actor elaborated on taking on his famous John Wick character once again, and his experience with Chad Stahelski that gave him the confidence to work seamlessly with director Len Wiseman on this film.
Also Read: Ian McShane Net Worth – How Much Did He Earn from John Wick
Ian McShane Talks All Things Ballerina
Winston Scott was a powerful presence in the John Wick franchise thanks to seasoned actor Ian McShane. Having been in the industry for decades, the Jawbone star brought all his experience to the fore to develop the relationship between his character and Keanu Reeves’ protagonist through 4 films.
McShane will now be seen in Len Wiseman’s Ballerina, a 2024 spinoff film from the John Wick franchise which will focus on assassin Rooney played by Ana De Armas. Ballerina’s story will explore the events that take place between John Wick 3 and 4 with the 81-year-old actor expanding on his character of Winston Scott.
In an interview with Variety for the promotions of his upcoming film American Star, McShane touched upon many aspects of his career including his successful stint in the John Wick franchise. Referring to Ballerina, the Deadwood actor spoke about the freedom he had to express his ideas which he credited to his relationship with Chad Stahelski.
“Chad trusts me with knowing my character, so I try to bring a little twist to it each time.”
McShane revealed that Ballerina is a very different film to the John Wick series but was confident that fans will be able to relate to the narrative with equal enthusiasm.
Ian McShane Slammed The Continental
Being one of the closest allies of John Wick and the most important character after Keanu Reeves’ titular hero, one would expect that Ian McShane would welcome a spinoff prequel based on his iconic role from the franchise. But the 2023 series, The Continental, which follows a young Winston Scott’s rise in the 70s, did not seem to impress McShane.
The Hellboy star minced no words in expressing his opinion about the series. In an interview with MovieWeb, McShane revealed his reasons for not having watched the Peacock show and why he felt that it was a mistake to begin with. In a candid and no-holes-barred confession, the actor was clear about where his loyalties lay and said,
“No, I wouldn’t watch it. I have no intentions – nobody – I don’t think Keanu watched it, neither has Chad. It had nothing to do with our movies. It’s just a question of a TV company cashing in on the series. They never asked us about anything so why would I be interested in seeing it?”
Judging by the mixed reviews that The Continental received, it looks like majority of fans and critics have concurred with McShane’s view on the show. A 63% critic score and a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the 94% for John Wick: Chapter 4 is ample proof of the series’ lukewarm response.
