In 2005, Keanu Reeves and director Francis Lawrence made the Constantine film. The movie grossed upwards of $230 million on a budget of $70 to 100 million. However, since the film was released before the emergence of the superhero movie genre, it sank into oblivion. However, with Reeves’ resurgence as an action star thanks to the John Wick franchise, fans want a sequel to the film. But with James Gunn rebooting the DC universe, is there a place for Constantine 2 anymore? As per Reeves, there’s a chance.
Keanu Reeves Talks About Constantine 2
In September 2022, Deadline reported that Warner Bros. Discovery was developing a sequel to the hit 2005 movie about John Constantine. As per the outlet, Keanu Reeves and Francis Lawrence were returning for the film. Additionally, the site stated that Akiva Goldsman was slated to write the screenplay. However, around January 2023, various industry insiders stated that the film has been shelved post the creation of DC Studios with James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm.
Rumors began floating that Gunn and Safran had stalled the project till their vision of the DCU got off the ground. One scooper, KC Walsh stated on Twitter that the movie was greenlit as a desperate move when there weren’t any fixed DC plans. Here’s the tweet:
That was a movie they greenlit in desperation because they weren’t sure the direction of DC her and needed to have something post 2023
— KC Walsh (@TheComixKid) January 31, 2023
Recently, Keanu Reeves conducted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on the Movies subreddit. One of the questions asked was “Have you spoken with James Gunn at all in regards to Constantine 2? Hope we get to see it!” to this, he answered that he had, and he hopes that the film gets made. Here’s his answer: “Yes, and me too.”
Reeves’ answer is short and doesn’t elaborate on what kind of talks are going on. He even doesn’t answer with certainty if Constantine 2 will get made. However, DC fans will be glad to know that at least there are still talks going on with Gunn. But not everyone is convinced. Many think that Reeves and his project will meet the same fate as Henry Cavill and his Superman.
Fans Think James Gunn Will Ditch Constantine 2 And Keanu Reeves
Henry Cavill’s departure from his Superman role was unfortunate and embarrassing. Several DC fans feel that James Gunn strung Cavill along and gave him false hopes before kicking him out to start his DCU with a new Superman. Reeves’ silence and his hesitance to talk more about Constantine 2 has made fans assume that a similar fate awaits The Matrix star.
Here’s what fans think about the situation:
James Gunn will probably lead him on until he posts a social media announcement and then tell him he's not doing it
— Fred Glynn (@Fred__Glynn) March 4, 2023
And Henry Cavill discussed man of steel 2
— Meanderthal (@805peej) March 4, 2023
Footage of Keanu Reeves asking to play Constantine again: pic.twitter.com/4OYutoc7ok
— TacoDraws 🐀 (commissions open) (@captaintaco2345) March 5, 2023
Countdown begun https://t.co/eAheYbEzQ0 pic.twitter.com/9zfjNid9NT
— Alessandro Exhausted (@fahrenh451) March 5, 2023
JG will say the meeting was really good, but unfortunately he is looking for a young Constantine who is below 57 years or old Constantine exactly 60 years or above …so it didnt workout unfortunately :p https://t.co/4YGfvZfhUQ
— Rahul R (@rahool360) March 5, 2023
There’s no guarantee whether Constantine 2 will get made or not. However, it’s possible that Gunn will agree to make it under the Elseworlds banner alongside movies like The Batman and Joker. However, whether Reeves ultimately returns as John Constantine or suffers the same fate as Cavill remains to be seen. But Reeves isn’t desperate for work. After all, the next movie in the John Wick franchise will release soon.
John Wick 4 releases on 24 March 2023.