When Keanu Reeves first appeared on the big screen as Constantine, there were mixed reactions. However, with each passing year, the movie has become an even bigger cult classic with the calls for a sequel growing huge.
And so there have been several times when such a sequel is reported to be in development, only to later end up being nothing. Yet just as the loyal fans of the supernatural movie have not given up on a sequel, it seems even its lead star Reeves is keen on bringing John back once again.
Keanu Reeves Has Not Given Up on Constantine
Loosely based on the DC Comics Hellblazer, the movie has gained a massive following over the years. And needless to say, fans have been eagerly waiting for a sequel.
While there have been many times when a sequel for the film is said to be in development, nothing conclusive has ever come out of it. Back in 2011, even the director Francis Lawrence expressed that he would love to make a really dark and scary version of the tale that is more of a hard-R (via MTV).
Just in 2019, Keanu Reeves too, while appearing on Variety’s The Big Ticket podcast remarked how he would love to return to the world of Constantine.
“I’ve always wanted to play John Constantine again. I just love that world, too, and I love that character. I just had a blast playing a character and [playing] in that world.”
More recently while promoting the fourth movie of his John Wick franchise, the actor had similar remarks to make. During the SXSW Film Festival premiere of the film, John Wick: Chapter 4, when the actor was up on the stage a fan yelled ‘Bring back Constantine’. And Reeves replied (via Variety),
“I’m trying, man.”
Although the actor’s persistence in making Constantine 2 is commendable, no one knows how long will it take before his efforts take root.
A Constantine Sequel Has Long Time Been Due
Even before the change of leadership of DC, a Constantine sequel has been a long time due, thanks to the many times the plans of making it have taken place. Back in 2022, while celebrating the movie’s 15th anniversary, the cast, director, and producer reunited to discuss the legacy of the project (via Collider).
The director, Francis Lawrence, had remarked then,
“It’s something that we’ve been talking about since we made Constantine because we all loved it. So we’ve been talking about it, talking about it, talking about it… There’s a lot of complicating factors. So it was never Akiva, and Keanu, and I happen to be sort of convinced to do it. It was really trying to figure out how we can get some sort of control over the Constantine character again.”
But just in the previous year, while on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Reeves had remarked he would love to play John Constantine again but no one would make the movie. And so Lawrence’s remarks were a welcoming change.
However, with each passing year, the movie’s possibility of happening seems to be greatly diminishing and fans hope that a sequel happens before it gets too late.
Constantine can be streamed on Netflix.
