I know there are quite a few readers out there who are fans of “Constantine,” at least based on the number of emails I’ve received over the years about the potential sequel that’s been set up at Warner Bros.
Francis Lawrence, who directed the 2005 film, has just given us the most promising update to date, and he seems to be hinting at an imminent and official announcement coming soon.
“I will say we are closer than ever to being able to do a sequel, which is a great thing,” Lawrence tells Collider. “We have something really cool in the works,” he says before adding that he and star Keanu Reeves are “super, super excited about it.”
Last we heard, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman had put the finishing touches on the script. Lawrence will be back to direct and, of course, Reeves is set to star. Also, a surprising addition will be JJ Abrams who is producing and was also a creative consultant on the film.
Lawrence had 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, five years later, he would go on to win an Adapted Screenplay Oscar for “A Beautiful Mind.” His screenplay for Ron Howard’s “Cinderella Man” is another positive.
The source material was made popular in Alan Moore and Stephen R. Bissette's “Hellblazer” comics. In the film, Reeves starred as supernatural exorcist and demonologist John Constantine, dying but sticking around to save his soul.
“Constantine” grossed $280M worldwide, and was met with very mixed reviews, but then it went on to build this massive following on home video and streaming.