Almost two decades after the release of the cult classic Constantine (based on the graphic novels from DC and Vertigo Comics), fans have been eagerly anticipating its sequel. Last September, news broke that Keanu Reeves will reprise his role in the sequel, and recent developments further fuel this anticipation. Francis Lawrence, who directed the original film in 2005, confirmed his return alongside Reeves for the sequel.
Despite its cult status, crafting a script for Constantine 2 faced delays due to the WGA strike, which has now been resolved. Further complicating matters, control over the DC Comics property, which falls under the Vertigo label, shifted between various entities.
“So Constantine 2 got obviously held up by the writers strike,” Lawrence said in a recent interview with GameSpot, “And we had to jump through a bunch of hurdles to get control of the character again, because other people had control of the Vertigo stuff. We have control.”
Francis Lawrence, Keanu Reeves, and original producer Akiva Goldsman are in active discussions, mapping out the sequel’s storyline. “The script has to be written,” Lawrence said, “but really hoping that we get to do Constantine 2, and make a real rated R version of it.”
The 2005 hit Constantine, boasting a global box office of US$230 million, showcased Reeves as John Constantine, an exorcist who combats demons and angels influencing the living. The success of the film led NBC to produce a short-lived TV adaptation. Furthermore, J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions had begun developing a new series for Max, which was ultimately shelved, coinciding with the buzz of Reeves returning for the movie sequel.
Post Constantine, Francis Lawrence’s directorial journey continued with hits like I Am Legend and The Hunger Games movie series. He is set to release the next The Hunger Games film titled The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes on 16 November.
With these developments, Constantine enthusiasts might soon witness the long-awaited sequel come to life.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
