Ahead of the premiere of The Continental: From the World of John Wick, the series’ action director Larnell Stovall spoke with Dorkaholics’ Neil Bui regarding his goals in his role, the inspiration behind the choices made, and the biggest challenge faced.
Neil Bui: When it came to the action of The Continental, what was your goal as the action director?
Larnell Stovall: I think I’ve said this a few times, but I can’t stress it enough – just to make sure we don’t suck.. The expectation of the John Wick world and the action it has built is very respected. It’s been a game changer, concerning gun fu mixed with judo, a mix of various styles here and there. It’s a huge precedent. So the thing I said was respect what they’ve done. Remember their blueprint. Remember the template. But then let’s find our own unique voice in here as well, because we have different characters. We are in the 70s, so let’s reflect that time and do our best to say, just tell a great story, and the comparisons stop once you get into the character development and then from there you just enjoy their journey and watch them kick ass.
Neil Bui: What were some of your inspirations or how would you describe the action of The Continental?
Larnell Stovall: I want to say the action in the Continental to me is universal. What I mean by universal is there is a difference when you’re looking at Hong Kong cinema, American action, action that is being done in Korea, action that is being done in Thailand, Indonesia. So I want to say for me, my influences are all of them.
Sometimes it’s just a filming style from the American version of how the John Wick films just lack cuts, so you can see the actors are not over edited. We want to make sure the audience is able to enjoy it. And then just the intensity and grittiness you get from what you see in Korean films or Indonesia where you don’t go gory but you do have impact and make people feel the pain. So I figured that was my formula. Just wanted to make sure that it was well balanced. That way, each fight scene stayed unique.
Catch The Continental: From the World of John Wick on Peacock.
