When a movie enters the post-production stage, a lot of changes can happen that make the film unrecognizable. Plot points can be added or removed, and that is when the film truly begins to take shape. This can also involve cutting out entire characters for the sake of making the film better. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened to Michelle Monaghan in Constantine.
The 2005 film, starring Keanu Reeves, was certainly iconic in many ways. However, there was one key element that the producers ended up cutting out in post-production; Monaghan’s character. While this change was done internally and helped give the film the theme they were looking for, fans cannot help but be upset that it was done at the expense of the actress.
Why Was Michelle Monaghan Cut From Constantine?
Many fans of Keanu Reeves’ Constantine are aware that the film was supposed to feature one more character who would have taken on quite an important role in John’s life. Michelle Monaghan was supposed to play the role of Ellie, a half-demon who was in a relationship with the titular character. While many would have been quite intrigued at such a change, her scenes were ultimately removed and her character was cut out.
During an appearance at Comic-Con@Home, the director of the film, Francis Lawrence, revealed the exact reason why such an approach was taken. In the comics, John Constantine is famously alone. He is a character that is supposed to have no one to turn to and is always floating through his quests all on his own.
We had real story reasons for doing it. It was not her performance, she’s a fantastic actress and we really liked the work that she did. We just decided that Constantine was better alone, and feeling like he didn’t have a companion that he could, sort of, lean on and have a relationship with.
Understanding this aspect and how important it was to the character, Lawrence decided against adding a love interest for him.
Fans Feel Protective Over Michelle Monaghan
While many fans are aware of the reason why Michelle Monaghan was cut out of the film, they cannot help but feel bad for the actress. Even though it may have been better for the overall story, they still feel sympathy over how she was cast in a role, filmed all the scenes, and gave an excellent performance, only to get cut out.
MrMovieExtras on YouTube posted a deleted scene from the film, and fans in the comments cannot stop talking about how sad they feel that the actress had to be cut out of the film. The conversation around whether the scene should have been deleted is still mixed. Some fans disagree with Francis Lawrence and what he did, stating that her existence in the film would have only added to John’s character.
“Hmm I do think they should have kept the first scene at least, it does explain how John was so confident that Lucifer would be there when he was dying” said kylepop4371 on YouTube.
“Glad it got deleted and that whole character hit the editing room floor” added specialspiggle.
“Michelle Monaghan should still have been kept in the movie, maybe as another demon that works alongside Balthazar and Gabriel” stated Divine_R.
“Still gotta suck. You get hired for a role and then they wind up cutting you completely. Still I do agree. She didn’t really add much.” said LiliaProgram.
“This scene really should be deleted.” xinchen3547 said.
However, others understand what the director was going for and agree that her presence in the film would have taken away one of John’s most significant traits.
Constantine is available for streaming on Netflix.
