We’re Going Back to Hell – ‘Constantine’ Sequel With Keanu Reeves Confirmed
Fans can rejoice! A Constantine sequel is in the works with Keanu Reeves and the original movie’s director.
The 2005 adaptation isn’t the most faithful, but it was a hit at the box office and has a loyal fan base over a decade later. Even if Reeves isn’t your occult detective, it’s hard to deny that the rest of the cast and the look of the movie are amazing. It’s become one of my comfort movies (sorry Paddington and The Princess Bride).
Constantine‘s story was simplified for the screen. It takes bits from Garth Ennis’s “Dangerous Habits”, plus parts of Jamie Delano’s run of Hellblazer in the early 1980s. It removes John’s entourage of ghosts and his English origin but keeps his occult dealings, love of neckties, and antisocial attitude. The movie’s development started in 1997 and hit a bunch of stops and starts. Nic Cage was set to play the lead role for a while – as much as I like the actor, I’m glad that didn’t come to pass.
What We Know About the Constantine Sequel
The idea of a sequel has been floating around for several years. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the sequel is reuniting Keanu Reeves and director Francis Lawrence. Also attached is Akiva Goldsman as a screenwriter. I’m not too happy about that choice. Goldman is prolific, but he’s written some absolute crap like Batman & Robin, Transformers: The Last Knight, and The Dark Tower. I get that this isn’t high art, but it’s not too much to ask to get something on par with the original.
No casting or dates have been announced. Sorry, Matt Ryan fans – he didn’t get the lead, maybe he’ll get a cameo.
Along with the sequel announcement came the news that the Constantine series that was in the works with J.J. Abrams is dead. Not surprising given the movie and the way Warner Bros. has been killing and pushing back projects.
