Keanu Reeves is set to return to the role of John Constantine, confirming the long-awaited sequel, "Constantine 2," is moving forward with DC Studios after more than a decade of anticipation.
Recently, Reeves shared insights about the project during an interview with Inverse, stating, "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." This emphatic declaration marks significant progress, as the sequel is now officially on the path toward production.
The film will reunite Reeves with director Francis Lawrence, who helmed the original 2005 movie, which was rooted deeply in supernatural themes and personal struggles. While details remain under wraps, Lawrence emphasized their shared excitement during discussions about the script. “Akiva (Goldsman) is writing and Keanu and Akiva and I have been collaborating, and I think we have some really, really great ideas,” he remarked. “I’m aching to play this guy,” Reeves added, showcasing his enthusiasm for once again embodying the titular character.
Interestingly enough, as Reeves revealed more about the upcoming sequel, he joked, “John Constantine's going to be tortured even more.” This comment hints at the film potentially delving even deeply than the original's exploration of Constantine’s issues of redemption and morality. Fans can expect the sequel to maintain its roots, as Reeves confirmed it will be set within the same world as the first film, offering both continuity and new developments.
Lawrence provided additional insights, discussing the personal stakes for Constantine, which were pivotal elements of the original film's narrative. He mentioned, “This isn’t just a ‘guy’s got to save the world’ kind of thing. We had to find a way to make it a deeply personal story because, by nature, John Constantine is quite a selfish guy—which is part of what I love about him.” The commitment to storytelling seems to run deep, as Lawrence emphasized the importance of weaving personal narratives, enhancing the depth of Constantine’s character.
The director hinted at the potential for returning characters from the original film, reinforcing fan hopes of seeing familiar faces alongside Reeves. “It’s a really fun character to revisit, and there’s a great world to die back,” Lawrence shared. “A lot will feel familiar, but there will also be plenty that's new, different, and surprising. It definitely feels like a worthy next chapter.” With this exciting teasing, the anticipation continues to build.
The announcement follows recent reports of coordination between filmmakers and James Gunn, who is heavily involved with DC Studios’ future plans. Speculation about Gunn's upcoming significant announcements has circulated widely, indicating exciting times ahead for the DC franchise.
Within this thriving environment at DC Studios, Reeves' resounding return as Constantine could serve as underpinned hope for fans of the comic book genre and those intrigued by the layered storytelling embedded within superhero narratives.
With the narrative set to navigate darker themes, early reflections from Reeves and Lawrence suggest they are ready to take audiences on a more serious plunge, pulling from the rich mythos and background of the Constantine character. By elevatively intertwining the character's personal struggles against fantastical elements, the sequel promises to craft appealing storytelling consistent with its predecessor.
Overall, Keanu Reeves' confirmed plans for "Constantine 2" represent not just the resurrection of his beloved character but also the potential for crafting narratives rich with emotional depth. Fans now have something substantial to look forward to as DC Studios gears up for another thrilling chapter, not only for Reeves but also for the continual evolution of the Constantine saga on screen.