The Matrix and John Wick franchise star Keanu Reeves is back in the spotlight again as fans celebrate the 20th anniversary of Constantine. The 2005 supernatural action movie, which was based on DC’s Hellblazer comic book series, starred Reeves as John Constantine, an occult detective battling demon forces and toeing the thin line between Heaven and Hell.
While it had a lukewarm critical reaction on its first release, Constantine has built a massive cult following since. The film received a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes when it first came out. The majority of the critics were complaining that it was too divergent from its comic book roots. The fans were, however, more appreciative, giving it a 72% and liking its dark tone, religious symbolism, and Reeves’ fair performance.
The fans have been asking for a sequel for decades now, and the rumors did not disappear. Even today, even Reeves himself hinted at the talks for Constantine 2. During an interview recently in The Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actor said there are talks about a potential sequel but did not disclose anything.
Director Francis Lawrence, director of the initial one, will also be returning. Lawrence has since then gone on to direct large-budget franchises like I Am Legend and The Hunger Games series after Constantine. Lawrence himself has already indicated that he would want to return to the Constantine world, stating that the sequel would go into darker and more supernatural territories.
One of the biggest questions about Constantine 2 is where it will fit in the new DC Universe. James Gunn and Peter Safran are now leading DC Studios, and the franchise has gone a new direction. Already, the DCU has had a complete reboot, so it is not certain whether Constantine 2 will be a follow-up to the 2005 movie or reworked to be set in the new cinema universe.
Despite its polarized reception, Constantine is among the most groundbreaking comic book films of its time. Unlike traditional superhero films, it plunged headfirst into supernatural horror, detective noir, and theology. Reeves’ interpretation of Constantine, while deviating from the blonde, British antihero of the comics, became iconic in its own right, rendering the film a cult classic.
The conclusion of the first film left open to a sequel. John Constantine, who had been given a second chance at life, is still caught between Heaven and Hell with even greater supernatural wars to wage in his future. A sequel would delve into the consequences of what he has been doing in the past, introduce new Hellblazer comic villains into the mix, and keep adding to the fight between the demons and the angels.
Though no release date has been announced, Reeves’ recent statements have once more rekindled the interest of fans. With the further developments in visual effects and the increasing popularity of darker, supernatural-themed comic book movies, Constantine 2 can potentially deliver an even more intense and immersive experience.
They can only wait for now and pray that John Constantine returns on the big screen soon for yet another supernatural action-packed adventure.
