After nearly two decades, fans of the cult classic Constantine movie, which starred Keanu Reeves as the enigmatic spiritual warrior, have reason to celebrate. Director Francis Lawrence, whose career skyrocketed following the film’s success, is making a return to the dark and mystical world of Constantine. That’s right, “Constantine 2” is officially in development, and here’s everything you need to know about this exciting sequel.
The Journey to a Constantine 2
“Constantine” is part of the DC Comics universe, specifically under the Vertigo label, known for its genre-focused storytelling. However, the fate of DC’s cinematic ventures has been in flux recently, with notable changes by filmmakers like James Gunn and producer Peter Safran reshaping the franchise. This uncertainty left fans of “Constantine” wondering if they’d ever see a sequel.
Adding to the complexity is the existence of a TV version of John Constantine, portrayed by Matt Ryan. This version of the character appeared in his own show and made appearances across the Arrowverse. While the TV series was well-received, it further muddled the prospects of a cinematic sequel.
Francis Lawrence Shares a Glimpse of Hope
In a recent interview with GameSpot during the press tour for his upcoming movie, “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” director Francis Lawrence shed light on the progress of “Constantine 2.” He revealed that the project had faced obstacles, most notably the writers’ strike, which significantly delayed its development.
Lawrence also mentioned the complexities of acquiring the character’s rights due to prior agreements involving the Vertigo properties. However, there’s promising news for fans of the series. Lawrence, Keanu Reeves, and Akiva Goldsman have been in discussions and meetings to outline the sequel’s story.
While the script is yet to be written, Lawrence expressed a strong desire to create a true-rated R version of “Constantine 2.” While this isn’t an absolute guarantee, it’s the closest fans have come to seeing the sequel become a reality in many years.
The Unique Appeal of Constantine
What sets “Constantine” apart from other comic book adaptations is its thematic focus on Catholicism and Christian lore, encompassing elements like demons and angels. This mystical world is explored through the lens of an old-fashioned detective in a noir thriller, adding a distinctive layer of intrigue and suspense to the story.
The original “Constantine” movie, wich is available to stream on HBO Max, released in 2005, captured this unique blend of mysticism and noir, akin to “The Matrix” with a religious twist. The movie resonated with audiences, especially in a culture deeply influenced by religious symbolism and themes.
Constantine’s Ensemble Cast
The cast for the new “Constantine 2” remains shrouded in mystery, but one familiar face that fans can likely count on is Keanu Reeves. In the first “Constantine” movie, a stellar ensemble of actors, including Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Djimon Hounsou, Tilda Swinton, Peter Stormare, and Gavin Rossdale, graced the screen. Their incredible chemistry and captivating performances breathed life into the narrative, infusing it with depth and dimension.
Constantine 2: The End of a Long Wait
For fans who have patiently (or not-so-patiently) awaited the arrival of “Constantine 2” for 18 years, there’s finally a glimmer of hope on the horizon. While there are still hurdles to overcome, it appears that the journey to bring this sequel to life is progressing positively.
In conclusion, “Constantine 2” is officially in development, and the prospect of a rated R version of the iconic character’s story is tantalizing. While there are challenges to overcome, the dedication of the director and the involvement of the original cast and creative team provide fans with newfound optimism. It’s a long-awaited return to a beloved cinematic universe, and audiences have every reason to be excited.
