Constantine 2 Update Promises to Grant a Fan's Greatest Wish

Article Key Points

Constantine 2 has received a major update, and it's good news for fans who have been eagerly waiting for a sequel to the cult classic film starring Keanu Reeves.

The project was delayed by the writers' strike and issues with reclaiming control of the character, according to filmmaker Francis Lawrence. Nevertheless, meetings have taken place to discuss the story and the possibility of creating an R-rated version of the film.

Lawrence has voiced disappointment with the first film for not fully embracing its R-rating. However, now there is an opportunity to create a sequel that is both scarier and more violent, while staying true to the darker tone of the source material. Introducing Constantine through the Elseworld label could be a perfect way to attract a new audience without affecting the broader DCU.

Keanu Reeves' Constantine 2 has finally received an update amidst the uncertainty surrounding the DC project. Furthermore, there has been a teaser regarding the potential rating and content of the highly anticipated sequel.

Originally introduced in DC's Vertigo imprint, Constantine went on to have a successful solo run titled Hellblazer after making his debut in another Vertigo title. In 2005, the character was brought to the big screen with Keanu Reeves taking on the role of John Constantine, a confident individual with a knack for dabbling in the dark arts. The supernatural horror-infused film received a mixed response from critics but managed to amass a dedicated fanbase and significantly surpass its production budget at the box office. Reeves himself expressed his enthusiasm for reprising the role and expressed his desire to star in a sequel to Constantine.

Reeves' attachment to a Constantine sequel had fans eagerly awaiting an update, and finally, we have some good news. In an interview with GameSpot, filmmaker Francis Lawrence shed light on the progress of the movie and also explained the reason behind its long delay.

It's clear that Constantine 2 was affected by the writers strike, causing significant delays. Additionally, we had to overcome various obstacles to regain control of the character, as others had control over the Vertigo content. Thankfully, we now have control. Keanu, Akiva Goldsman, and I have been engaged in meetings to discuss the storyline and there are more meetings to come. The script still needs to be written, but we are truly hopeful that we will be able to make Constantine 2 and deliver an authentic, R-rated version of the film.

The concept of an R-rated comic book film is currently popular, particularly evident with Marvel's consideration of an R-rating for Daredevil: Born Again. In previous discussions, Lawrence expressed his preference for a different rating and expressed disappointment with the 2005 project that intentionally limited itself to a more moderate rating. Lawrence explained that Warner Bros. imposed restrictions to create a PG-13 film in terms of violence, blood, language, and sexuality. However, the rating board categorized it as a hard R based on the intensity, resulting in Lawrence's regret that the final product was essentially a PG-13 film with an R-rating. Lawrence stated that if he had the opportunity to produce an R-rated movie, he would have made it genuinely intense, terrifying, and violent.

With the upcoming reboot of the cinematic universe, many may be curious about the contribution of Reeves' Constantine to the new DCU. However, the relevance of this question is insignificant as the Elseworld label provides an ideal opportunity for the enigmatic sorcerer to captivate a fresh audience without burdening the entire roster of new superheroes with his gloomy and morally ambiguous world.

You can currently stream Constantine on Max.

Source: GameSpot, The Wrap

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the 2005 film Constantine, I am thrilled to hear about the potential for a sequel. The original movie, starring Keanu Reeves as the titular character, was a dark and gritty supernatural thriller that left a lasting impression on me. The film's unique blend of action, horror, and religious iconography made it a standout in the superhero genre, and I have been eagerly anticipating a follow-up for years.

The news that filmmaker Francis Lawrence is attached to the project is also very exciting. Lawrence directed the original Constantine film, and he clearly has a deep understanding of the character and his world. I am confident that he will be able to bring the same level of passion and creativity to the sequel. I am particularly intrigued by Lawrence's comments about making the sequel more violent and scary. The original film was PG-13, and while it had some intense moments, I think it could have benefited from a more mature rating. An R-rated sequel would allow Lawrence to explore the darker aspects of Constantine's character and the world he inhabits.