I like to think I have a special connection to John Wick. Back in 2014, I interviewed a humble Keanu Reeves at the Hollywood press junket for what was then just another action movie. Neither of us realized we were sitting at the genesis of what would become one of cinema’s most beloved franchises.
“Working on John Wick was an exciting opportunity,” Reeves told me then, his enthusiasm evident as he described what I’d later recognize as the franchise’s signature approach to action. “The directors come from a stunt background… they put me in what felt like John Wick Boot Camp—jujutsu, weapons training, tactical training. I even did car driving, learning how to do 180s, 360s, forward, backwards, and then some drifting while shooting people out of the car.”
He finished with what now feels like an understatement: “We’re just trying to raise the bar.”
Eleven years later, I found myself standing outside AREA15 in Las Vegas, about to enter the John Wick Experience—and believe me, they’ve raised that bar to stratospheric heights.
Checking In
As I approached the Continental Hotel Las Vegas outpost, the iconic 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1—lovingly nicknamed “the car that launched a thousand kills” by fans—sat gleaming in the desert sunset. Perfect for pre-adventure Instagram moments, assuming you’re willing to risk having your photo in a High Table database.
The exterior façade is imposing yet elegant—exactly what you’d expect from the world’s premier assassin hotel chain. I half expected Ian McShane’s Winston to greet me with a curt “Jonathan” and a glass of bourbon.
Instead, I was met by impeccably dressed Continental staff who regarded me with the perfect mix of hospitality and suspicion. Was I a potential assassin seeking sanctuary, a High Table operative on reconnaissance, or just another curious visitor? Their commitment to character never wavered.
The Rules of the Continental
“Welcome to the Las Vegas Continental,” my host informed me with practiced precision. “I trust you’re familiar with our rules?”
Rule #1: No business conducted on Continental grounds. Rule #2: Every marker must be honored. Rule #3: Keep your coins close. They’re currency in our world.
I nodded solemnly, patting my pocket where I’d been given a gold Continental coin upon entry. Like in the films, this wasn’t merely a souvenir but a key that would unlock exclusive experiences throughout my journey.
The Mission
What separates the John Wick Experience from other immersive attractions is its brilliant fusion of escape room challenges, theatrical performances, and cinematic recreation. No spoilers here (the Continental punishes those who reveal its secrets), but I’ll say this: you’re immediately drawn into an all-new mission set within the Wick universe.
The approximately 12,000-square-foot space is divided into more than a dozen meticulously themed rooms. Each environment feels ripped directly from the films—from the elegant Continental lobby with its marble floors and classic styling to the more industrial spaces reminiscent of the catacombs beneath The Continental.
What makes the experience truly special is how the narrative unfolds differently depending on your group’s choices. The professional actors—playing Continental staff, assassins, and crime bosses—adapt to your decisions, creating an experience that feels genuinely responsive rather than scripted.
Becoming Baba Yaga
The highlight for me was getting to channel my inner Baba Yaga in a perfectly choreographed shoot-out sequence (with holograms) that makes you feel like you’re inside an action scene from the films.
Without revealing too much, let’s just say I now understand why Reeves trained so intensively. Even in this controlled environment with expert guidance, pulling off John Wick’s signature moves requires focus, commitment, and sheer will—or at least the willingness to look slightly ridiculous while trying.
After several attempts that would have gotten the real John Wick killed approximately 27 times, I managed something that vaguely resembled the balletic violence that defines the franchise. The team records these sequences, allowing you to take home evidence of your assassin potential (or lack thereof).
The Continental Bar: Where Killers Unwind
Post-mission, I retreated to the Continental Bar, a sanctuary where even enemy assassins can share a civil drink. The attention to detail is extraordinary—from the lighting to the glassware, everything evokes the sophisticated aesthetic of the films.
The cocktail menu features clever nods to the franchise. My choice, the Bloody Pencil, pays homage to perhaps the most infamous weapon in John Wick 2. (“A f**king pencil!”) The drink arrives with a pencil garnish and a blood-red pour that would make even the stoic Wick crack a smile.
Other offerings include the High Table Manhattan, Marker on the Rocks, and the non-alcoholic Daisy (a nod to John’s beloved puppy). Each is crafted with the precision you’d expect from bartenders who might moonlight as assassins.
The Little Details
What sets this experience apart from other immersive attractions is the obsessive attention to detail. Hidden throughout are Easter eggs for dedicated fans—the doctor’s medical kit from Chapter 3, books from the New York Continental Library, and subtle nods to characters from across the franchise (the tailor was my favorite—in addition to the usual bulletproof vest, The Continental Las Vegas offers its patrons bedazzled jumpsuits and showgirl attire).
During the special event, Continental-appropriate entertainment included a sleight-of-hand magician (whose card tricks would impress even the Director from Chapter 3) and an airbrush tattoo artist who adorned willing guests with temporary Wick-universe symbols. I opted for the Continental logo on my forearm—a decision that earned knowing nods from other “assassins” throughout the evening.
The Verdict
At $50-90 per person (depending on day and time), the John Wick Experience isn’t the cheapest attraction in Vegas. But for fans of the franchise—or anyone seeking an immersive adventure that blends theatrical elements, puzzle-solving, and action sequences—it delivers exceptional value.
Unlike many Vegas experiences that rush you through to maximize throughput, the Continental allows guests to truly savor the experience. You can linger at the bar before and after your mission, soak in the atmosphere, and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating this slice of the Wick universe.
After experiencing what Lionsgate and Egan Productions have created at AREA15, I can confidently say this: If John Wick himself were to visit Vegas, he’d feel right at home—minus all the people trying to kill him, of course.
Essential Information
The John Wick Experience at AREA15
- Location: AREA15, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip
- Hours: Open daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Cost: $50-90 per person
- Reservations: Required, book at www.JohnWickExperience.com
- Age restriction: 18+ (it’s an assassin hotel, after all)
As I left the Continental, pocketing my coin for a future visit, I couldn’t help but think back to that 2014 interview with Keanu. The franchise has evolved from a sleeper hit into a cultural phenomenon with four films, TV spinoffs, an upcoming AAA video game, and now this extraordinary immersive experience.
They didn’t just raise the bar—they obliterated it with a perfectly aimed headshot.
Be seeing you.
