‘Constantine’ Sequel Has Been Written, Francis Lawrence to Direct

I know there are quite a few fans of 2005’s “Constantine” on this site, at least based on the number of emails I’ve received over the last year about the sequel.

We now have a major update. It’s officially happening. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura confirms that Akiva Goldsman has put the finishing touches on the script. Director Francis Lawrence will be back to direct and, of course, Keanu Reeves is set to star. Also, a surprising addition will be JJ Abrams who is producing but was also a creative consultant on the film.

With all that said, di Bonaventura admits a fear to reading the script. "You know it's in my inbox right now. Funny enough, I'm too scared to read it, though," he said. "I want it to be good so bad. I probably read it in the next few days. When I get on an airplane."

Lawrence previously told Gamespot that the WGA strike had temporarily stalled development on the film but noted he had been in several meetings with Reeves and Goldsman.

You’re wondering, Goldsman, Goldsman, where have I heard that name before? Oh, hey! That’s the guy who wrote “Batman & Robin”! Then again, four years later, he would go on to win an Adapted Screenplay Oscar for “A Beautiful Mind.” His screenplay for Ron Howard’s “Cinderella Man” wasn’t bad either.

Otherwise, Goldsman’s had some real gems over the years, “Batman Forever,” “Practical Magic,” “Lost in Space,” “I, Robot,” “The Da Vinci Code,” “Angels and Demons,” “Winter’s Tale,” “The Dark Tower,” “Divergent: Insurgent,” “The 5th Wave” …

“Constantine” grossed $280 million worldwide, but has built up a massive following on home video. Reeves will reprise his role as supernatural exorcist and demonologist John Constantine, who in the original is dying but stays around to save his soul. The source material was made popular by Alan Moore and Stephen R. Bissette's “Hellblazer” comics.

I honestly can’t remember much about “Constantine.” It didn’t do anything for me when I saw it 18 years ago. Maybe a rewatch will make things a little clearer. The very large fanbase that it’s built over the years puzzles me.