Mel Gibson's controversial casting in John Wick prequel takes center stage as first trailer drops

Get ready to check in as the first trailer for The Continental has dropped.

The mini-series will explore the infamous hotel from the John Wick franchise, in a prequel to the much-loved action films.

However, fans aren’t too happy about the show as it has cast controversial actor Mel Gibson in one of the lead roles. Check out the trailer below:

For those who’ve yet to watch the rest of the franchise, The Continental is a worldwide chain of hotels providing a neutral space for criminals.

The Prime Video series will centre around the John Wick hotel and will air over three episodes this September.

Sadly, it's unlikely that Keanu Reeves will make an appearance as the show is set before the titular hitman’s time.

Exploring 1970s New York and its seedy underworld, The Continental will reveal how a young Winston Scott became the owner of the infamous bolt hole.

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Though the character was originally played by Ian McShane in the movies, Colin Woodell will be donning the antagonist's cravat in the prequel.

Joining him will be Gibson as Cormac, who is the current owner of the criminal establishment - who is also out for vengeance.

While fans had been eager to see the franchise continue, many are frustrated that Gibson has been cast in such a major role.

It is unsurprising given that Gibson allegedly made antisemitic remarks, while being arrested for suspected drunk driving in 2006.

A video also emerged of the actor-turned-director using a racial slur back in 2010.

Taking to X (formally Twitter), many fans have expressed their frustration at his involvement.

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One wrote: “So Mel Gibson is in ‘The Continental’ and that’s a bummer. Guess I’m not watching that 1. What an epic decline of the Wickiverse.”

Others felt the same, with another adding: "…whether or not there is an appetite for a prequel series like Peacock’s The Continental From The World of John Wick, nobody needs to hear from or about its anti-Semitic, misogynist co-star Mel Gibson."

A third then tweeted: “I do not understand even a little why Mel Gibson is in The Continental… the John Wick movies go out of their way to be diverse whyyyyyyy.”

However, some are curious about the casting.

“Mel Gibson is the main reason why I’m tempted to watch THE CONTINENTAL, but even then I’m not sure,” wrote one viewer, adding: “It’s a series, and eh - if I want to go back to that world, I’d rather just watch the John Wick movies.”

Well, you’ll have to check it out for yourself when The Continental drops on 22 September.

UNILAD has contacted representatives for Mel Gibson for comment.