Summary

The Constantine sequel seems to face delays due to Keanu Reeves' concerns over script changes.
Reeves wants a sequel to maintain the original tone and not become a big action movie like Marvel.
Like John Wick, Reeves' dedication to his projects may ensure Constantine 2's success.

Keanu Reeves' Constantine sequel may be taking longer than expected due to the actor's perceived problems with the script. The sequel was announced in 2022, with Reeves returning to the role of John Constantine.

The 2005 original is based on the DC Comics character who first appeared in the Hellblazer series, centering on the powerful warlock using his magical abilities to fight the forces of darkness. The movie made numerous changes to the character, like altering his British background, which upset fans at the time. However, the film has garnered a substantial following in the years since its release, largely thanks to Reeves' continued star power.

Director Frances Lawrence, who has gone on to helm most of the Hunger Games franchise, is returning for Constantine 2, with the project in active development. However, James Gunn and Peter Safran also took creative control of DC's film and TV slate around the same time as the sequel was announced, with their new plans for the DC Universe including numerous other heroes and projects, with Superman properly kicking things off this summer. Constantine 2 is expected to be part of the Elseworlds films, which are DC comic projects that remain unconnected from the central continuity of the DCU, like Matt Reeves' The Batman. Despite the excitement around the project, Keanu Reeves' schedule has proven hectic, with new details pointing toward potential script problems.

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With Constantine turning 20, should Keanu Reeves return for a sequel, or is a fresh reboot in James Gunn’s DCU the better choice?

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By Sandip Kishan Anbuselvan

In an interview with The Direct, Peter Stormare, who played Lucifer in the first Constantine, opened up about the sequel and Reeves' thoughts on the script. Stormare states, "I think Keanu [Reeves], which I know pretty good, is not so happy with the scripts and usually what comes out of the studios." According to the actor, studio notes and attempts to make the script more grandiose in scale may be hindering the process. He continues, delving into story ideas that would see God appear, with Reeves wanting Constantine 2 to remain closer to the first film in terms of scope and tone. Stormare also says that Constantine is something Reeves is "very proud of," as he is "fighting for it to be a character that he loved." The actors feel they have a good sense of what makes the story work, with Stormare adding, "Don't turn it into big Marvel... [Don't turn it] into us flying around in harnesses all the time and shooting each other up. Don't bring in the big guns. Let it be." Read Stormare's comments on Keanu Reeves and Constantine 2 below:

It's a lot of back and forth, because... I think Keanu [Reeves], which I know pretty good, is not so happy with the scripts and usually what comes out of the studios... Because the first one wasn't that successful in the beginning, it became a sleeper and became a cult movie, and now it is one of the biggest cult movies ever. But to do a sequel, the studios want to have, you know, cars flying in the air. They want to have people doing flip-flops and fighting action scenes.

It turns into an action movie, and not like going deeper and deeper into the characters. I think he wants to do his character again, Constantine, as grounded as it was in the first one. It took a long time for you to become a cult movie, it really worked, and it will work on the audience again. You don't have to add a lot of action and shootouts. You have other movies. Don't turn it into big Marvel... [Don't turn it] into us flying around in harnesses all the time and shooting each other up. Don't bring in the big guns. Let it be.

Keanu Reeves Continues To Prove He Cares & Constantine 2 Will Be Better For It

While Stormare admits his comments stem from Reeves' "hearsay," the action star sticking to his guns about the script proves that Reeves looks to continue his track record of going above and beyond for his film projects. As he has shown with the John Wick franchise, the actor will train and do his own stunts to achieve action sequences unlike audiences have seen before. Other instances include Reeves taking pay cuts to ensure films could be made and ensuring all involved get the credit they deserve, which bodes well for Constantine 2.

Stormare is correct that Constantine 2 doesn't need to be like other comic book movies. It features a character who plays more like a noir-style detective with magic to aid him than a Superman-style hero epic. With DC proving to take risks with projects like Mike Flanagan's Clayface movie, Constantine 2 with Keanu Reeves in the lead should be a sure-fire hit, hopefully putting the studios' minds at ease as James Gunn's DCU plans began rolling out.

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Constantine 2

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Director: Francis Lawrence
Producers: Akiva Goldsman, Erwin Stoff, J.J. Abrams, James Gunn, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Peter Safran
Prequel(s): Constantine