Random Ramblings: Constantine 2, Is It Really Happening?

If you have read my post dated 14th May 2014 about Constantine the NBC TV Series, you would know that I am a huge fan of the movie, Constantine (2005) starring Keanu Reeves. However, I am not so much a fan of the TV series which was aired on NBC in 2014 (it lasted only one season). For those who are unfamiliar with this franchise, Keanu Reeves was first John Constantine before John Wick, a chain-smoking cynical exorcist who has the ability to see half-angels and half-demons (not unlike Detective Nick Burkhardt in the TV series GRIMM). If that is not bad enough, he also has terminal lung cancer and his soul is damned to hell for attempting to commit suicide in his youth. Constantine ,which is based on DC Comics' Hellblazer by Alan Moore (Watchmen/ V for Vendetta/ Batman The Killing Joke/ Swamp Thing), was director Francis Lawrence's first movie. Before this, he mainly directed music videos, hence the movie had a very edgy and stylized look to it. Besides Reeves, other big stars like Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Tilda Swinton, Djimon Hounsou, Peter Stormare and Gavin Rossdale were also attached to the film. While the movie did not garner much critical acclaim when it was screened, it had attracted quite a following over the years with many regarding it as a cult classic. When the movie first premiered, I remember anxiously waiting in line to buy a cinema ticket to see it and the place was really packed (it was the holidays) which was really an exception for me as I rarely go to the cinema (nowadays, with so much content in the internet and so many streaming platforms, my trips to the cinema has become non-existent). However, when I came out of the cinema I felt that the movie was worth the ticket and effort. There was just something about it that impressed me. I always had a fetish for occult stories but the combination of the rich source material from Alan Moore (one of the greatest comic book authors), Francis Lawrence's distinctive style and the involvement of Reeves/Weisz made this movie unique. Besides, it also had an underlying message of redemption which I found to be comforting. At that time, my father had recently passed away and I was feeling very melancholy. Just a little bit of backstory on why this movie will always have a special place in my heart.

Now back to my original topic. In 2022, rumors had surfaced that a sequel was in the works with Reeves reprising his role, Akiva Goldsman writing the screenplay and the involvement of Francis Lawrence as director once again. Although there has been no official word from Warner Bros and filming of the sequel has not even started, many fake/concept teasers and trailers have started to appear in YouTube and on the internet lately (purporting to be the real deal). Numerous accounts of interviews with Lawrence and Reeves has also come to light on the web on their efforts to push for a sequel leaving many fans confused but expectant. Personally, I feel that if a sequel is to be made, it should have been done a long time ago (not 2 decades later) due to two factors namely a new generation of audience who might not connect with the source material and an aging Reeves (although enthusiastic) who has moved on to other franchises mainly the John Wick movies. It is also doubtful that Lawrence will be able to assemble a cast as good as the original one which consisted mainly of high profile actors/actresses even in the supporting roles. Anyways, if a sequel does come to fruition, I hope it will be handled well so as to not tarnish the legacy of the original movie. For those who want to know more about the sequel, I have included a link below to an article from TheDirect.com by Sam Hargrave published on 13th February 2024 which is recent and quite comprehensive. With regards to the many fake trailers circulating the net, you can check out the article from Abdul Azim Naushad on Comingsoon.net published on 14 February 2024.

The Direct.com Article

Comingsoon.net News Guide

Trailer courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes

Addendum (28th July, 2024) : Recently, I came across a new article from Screen Rant by Felipe Rangel (posted 4 days back) about Keanu Reeves sharing some updates on the sequel to Constantine in The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and I just had to include the link to the article and the YouTube video itself here in my blog.

Keanu Reeves Finally Shares A New Update on Constantine 2