Constantine starring Keanu Reeves was first released in 2005 and grossed $230 million at the box office, more than double its original budget of just $100 million. The film revolved around the character of John Constantine and although well-loved by fans, it was criticized for Reeves’ Neo role in The Matrix Trilogy.
Keanu Reeves’ Constantine was directed by Francis Lawrence and could only gain 46% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film took a hit in the eyes of critics and therefore did not get a sequel. This did not, however, stop the growth of the character itself.
John Constantine; Hellblazer fame
John Constantine may not have found his niche on the big screen, but he’s certainly proven his skills as an exorcist, as portrayed by Matt Ryan in Constantine the series. Although the series only had one season, Ryan then went on to play the character on the CW show. Legends of Tomorrow; as well as the character’s expression in many animated works.
The final portrayal of the character would be a gender-swapped version as played by Jenna Coleman in The sand man. Originally thought to be John Constantine’s ancestor, Neil Gaiman’s show changed the character’s gender and renamed her Johanna Constantine.
John Constantine has become an integral part of Arrow and Legends of tomorrow and Ryan went on to reprise that role.
See also: ‘Let Netflix decimate HBO Max plans’: Sandman spin-off based on Jenna Coleman’s Johanna Constantine picks Steam as WB confirms Constantine reboot, fans believe only Matt Ryan can save HBO Max
The return of Jean Constantin
Warner Bros. Discovery recently spotlighted a sequel for the film, seeing its rise to fame, as well as that of the actors. While there have been rumors of Keanu Reeves looking for a role in the MCU, that doesn’t seem to be the case as he will now be seen wearing the character’s signature overcoat once again.
The film is again set to be directed by Francis Lawrence and will be produced by Bad Robot’s JJ Abrams and Hannah Minghella with Akiva Goldsman, who will also write the screenplay for the same.
Although it had a reboot in the works for some time, Keanu Reeves’ return to fame was enough for WBD to opt for the sequel with the actor instead.
See also: After 17 Years, Rotten Tomatoes Finally Offers 2005’s Constantine A Heartfelt Apology
Francis Lawrence’s connection with Constantine
Lawrence first worked as a music video director with Constantine being his debut in the film industry. He then led Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1 Part 2. He is also working on the spin-off film The Ballad of Songbirds and Serpents.
With the sequel to Constantine now also in the works, the director is set to bring Reeves’ version of the character back to life.
See also: ‘Never Played It’: Keanu Reeves Reveals He’s Never Played Cyberpunk 2077 – A Game That Literally Has His Face On The Poster
Source: RBC
