Keanu Reeves' Constantine 2 receives a promising update during the Writers Guild of America strike. Reeves initially portrayed John Constantine, the resident demonologist of DC, in the 2005 film Constantine. The movie skillfully intertwined various comic book storylines, placing Reeves' Constantine in the midst of a battle between Heaven and Hell. After years of Reeves' efforts to secure a sequel, the Constantine 2 movie has finally been given the greenlight. However, with major changes occurring at DC Studios under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, the fate of the sequel remained uncertain; until now.
In an interview with The Playlist, writer Akiva Goldsman provided a positive update on the status of Constantine 2. Goldsman explained that due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, progress on his writing projects has been halted, stating that his "pens are down." Nevertheless, he confirmed that Reeves' DC film is still on track, despite the forthcoming DC Universe reboot. Goldsman stated, "I have completed the script for Constantine 2. I just haven't begun the typing process yet." Please see the full quote below:
Why Constantine 2 Is Happening 20 Years After The Original
Since my pens are down and I currently have no tasks at hand, there is nothing much left for me to do. However, once I am permitted to write again, I have a list of upcoming projects waiting for my attention. It should be noted that I had already initiated the process of working on [I Am] Legend 2 prior to the strike. Additionally, Frances [Lawrence], Keanu [Reeves], and I have meticulously planned Constantine 2. Despite the preparations, I am yet to commence the actual typing process.Due to the ongoing WGA strike, the script for Constantine 2 is not expected to be completed until the end of the year. Assuming everything goes smoothly, the film will likely begin production in 2024. This timeline would align the release of Constantine 2 in 2025, coinciding with the original movie's 20th anniversary.
Reeves' return as Constantine after such a long time is intriguing, considering the current plans for a new shared universe in the DC franchise. However, Constantine 2 will remain a standalone film and will not be a part of this new universe. The main reason for the movie happening is Reeves' strong desire to make the sequel. He has been advocating for Constantine 2 for years since the release of the original film.
Director Francis Lawrence, who will be returning for the sequel, revealed that Constantine 2 got the greenlight after Reeves expressed his desire to return as John Constantine on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. The enthusiastic reaction from the audience, coupled with Reeves' growing popularity from the John Wick franchise and the inability to get J.J. Abrams' Constantine reboot series off the ground, contributed to the decision to move forward with Constantine 2. More information about the status of the sequel will be available once the WGA strike is over, but things are looking promising.
Source: The Playlist