'John Wick' and 'Castlevania' Are Entering a New Adaptation Zone

February 15, 2026 - 01:15

The worlds of 'John Wick' and 'Castlevania' are poised for major expansion, moving beyond their core stories into exciting new adaptation territory. This unexpected development signals a bold strategy to build upon these already successful franchises.

For the 'John Wick' universe, this means a transition from film to television. The announced series, 'The Continental,' will explore the inner workings of the iconic assassin's hotel, delving into its mysterious history and promising to expand the lore that fans have come to adore. This move allows for a deeper, more serialized exploration of the rules and characters that populate this stylish underworld.

Meanwhile, the critically acclaimed 'Castlevania' anime on Netflix, which concluded its main storyline, is not finished. The franchise is set to launch a new series focusing on Richter Belmont, a descendant of the original heroes, during the French Revolution. This shift in era and protagonist promises fresh stories within the gothic horror universe, proving the rich legacy of the Belmont clan has many more chapters to tell.

Both projects represent a confident step forward, leveraging established fan bases while exploring new narrative avenues. Instead of direct continuations, these adaptations are building out the worlds sideways, offering deeper dives into beloved settings and exploring uncharted historical periods within their respective mythologies. This approach marks a sophisticated next phase for franchise development, prioritizing world-building over simple sequels.