Summary
This year marks the 20th anniversary ofConstantine(2005), the DC Comics adaptation that introduced Keanu Reeves as the chain-smoking occult detective. Today, with the franchise undergoing a complete cinematic overhaul, it’s time to reassess the character’s future. Is a rumored sequel with theJohn Wickactor the right path, or a fresh reboot within James Gunn’s newDCUthe better choice?
At the time of its release,Constantine’sreception was middling, both at the box office, and by critics.Directed by Francis Lawrence, the thriller blended noir and the supernatural, elevated by a distinct visual style and Reeves' ultracool persona. However, purely in terms of how it adapted its original source material, many believe the movie completely missed its mark.
Should John Constantine Join James Gunn’s DCU?
Why DC Studios Hasn’t AnnouncedConstantine 2
AConstantinesequel with Keanu Reeveswould undoubtedly ignite fan hype, and inevitably, box office revenue. But the real question is whether it aligns with the best interests of the evolving DC Studios, under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.Speaking toInverserecently, Reeves confirmed that he and director Francis Lawrence pitched aConstantinefollow-up to DC Studios, with the story continuing in the same world as the 2005 film.
We’ve been trying to make this film for over a decade, and we just recently put a story together and pitched it to DC Studios and they said, ‘Okay’. So, we’re going to try and write a script. We’re not going off that (world) … John Constantine’s going to be tortured even more.
IsConstantine 2Coming Out?
Earlier in 2022, Warner Bros. announced thatConstantine 2was in development, but there had been no updates since – aside from enthusiasm from the film’s lead actor and director. TheConstantinesequel was notably missing from the list of projects underDC Studios’Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. As it stands, the film would likely fall under DC’sElseworldsbanner if it continues with both Reeves and Lawrence at the helm. But it’s about time John Constantine joined a shared universe in a form that’s truer toHellblazer.
John Constantine Fits IntoGods And Monsters
A DCU Reboot Might Be The Better Option
It’s hard to say no to the idea of seeingKeanu Reeves return as Constantineafter two decades. But at the same time, the character is better off joining DC’s shared universe. Before getting his solo series throughHellblazer, John Constantine first appeared in a 1985 issue of Alan Moore’sSwamp Thingin DC Comics. With a confirmedSwamp Thingfilm – all set to be directed byLogan’s James Mangold – it would make more sense to reintroduce Constantine within this interconnected DCU rather than through a standaloneElseworldsproject.
Publisher
DC Comics (originally under Vertigo imprint)
Considering that the DCU’s first chapter is quite literally calledGods and Monsters, Constantine could bridge the gap between the two concepts, thanks to his theological/spiritual ties. This is a character who casually interacts with the biblical God, the Devil, and angels. His presence would not only connect deeply with othersupernatural characters in DCbut also introduce some much-needed mystical elements to the wider DCU.
DC’sElseworldsStories Are Becoming Less Relevant
Apart fromMatt Reeves’The Batman Epic Crime Saga, there doesn’t seem to be much room forElseworldsstories in the DC Universe anymore. It doesn’t make sense to randomly bring back a 20-year-old version of a niche DC character who doesn’t fit into the new world. Even recent iterations of marquee heroes like Batman and Superman weren’t spared by the reset. Instead, this is an opportunity to set upJustice League Dark, where John Constantine eventually becomes the team’s leader in the comics.
Keanu Reeves Isn’t The Only Constantine
It’s often forgotten that Keanu Reeves isn’t the only live-action John Constantine. Matt Ryan played a more comic-accurate version of Constantine – a blonde, British take that stayed truer toHellblazerthan Reeves' version, even if they didn’t show him as a chain smoker. The actor portrayed Constantine in theCW’s Arrowverse, his own NBC series, and several animated projects. Despite his brilliant portrayal, the standalone show never got the attention it deserved due to low viewership and poor writing. Regardless,Matt Ryan’s role as Constantinedeserves to be in the conversation for some all-time great comic book castings.
The DCU Deserves A New Constantine
Keanu’sConstantineWorks Best Alone
In truth, 2005’sConstantineworks far better as a self-contained movie – just loosely based on the DC Comics character – rather than a full-fledged adaptation. If not for this pressure,the Keanu Reeves filmmight already have had a sequel or two, much sooner. Today, the DC Universe’s resident tortured exorcist deserves a fresh take, where he can finally reach his full potential. There’s a whole world of terrifyingly realistic concepts and stories from the comics waiting to be adapted, and the studio should take note.
Could twoConstantineprojects work at once? Right now, Keanu Reeves' global superstardom could do wonders for the character’s popularity. At the same time, it’s hard to imagine him as the main version of Constantine in the DCU if that project moves forward. In fact, Reeves’Constantinefeels more likeNeo fromThe Matrixthan John Constantine fromHellblazer. So even if theElseworldsmovie happens, the DCU still needs a proper version ofConstantine, whether through a film or a series, right away.
