The Second Coming of Keanu Reeves as Constantine
By August Tales
Back in 2009, Constantine, despite failing to make a massive impact at the box office, managed to gather a fervent cult following. Today, the buzz is all about a potential sequel, and Warner Bros. Discovery together with DC are eager to reprise Keanu Reeves’ title role. The original cast also boasted names like Shia LaBeouf, Peter Stormare, Tilda Swinton, and Rachel Weisz. Still, among them, only Stormare has shown interest in returning.
The Slow Rollout to a Sequel
Revelations from one of the producers hinted at a finalized script draft for the much-awaited sequel, although specifics about the story development remain unknown. Considering how the best elements of Hellblazer comics converged for the first movie, viewers remain curious about the inspiration for the new sequel.
Now, John Constantine has become part of a broader DC Universe. There are, theoretically, hundreds of new comics to inspire the sequel. However, the odds of this happening are slim. With an entirely new DC Universe rolling out on the big screen, rushing to pair Constantine with Justice League Dark could undermine the sequel’s essence. Nonetheless, one post-New 52 Constantine component might find its way into the movie; his intriguing relationship with Zatanna.
Potential Storylines for Constantine
Zatanna, another DC character, has had multiple false Hollywood starts, with whispers of her own standalone film at different times. If a Constantine sequel omits Rachel Weisz’s character, introducing a Zatanna character fitting the similar role is conceivable.
Possible storylines can borrow from Constantine’s TV series and stories from DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. These plotlines revolve around his old band and the consequences of Constantine’s poor life choices, including accidentally sending Astra Logue, his friends’ daughter, to Hell. It’s a life-dooming mistake that propels the narrative and would make a compelling premise for the sequel.
Intriguing Story Possibilities in Hellblazer
Incorporating elements from the “Hard Time” story from Hellblazer is an exciting prospect for the sequel. Picturing John stuck in an American prison and working on a clandestine plan could bring an appealing darkness to the movie. While John’s iconic trenchcoat might be absent in this setting, such a detour could be acceptable considering restricted chances of seeing him don his usual attire on screen.
Another engrossing storyline is Jamie Delano’s “The Family Man”. This serial killer tale crosses paths with Constantine, offering plenty of opportunities for character development and potential film adaptation. The not-so-glamourous lifestyle John endures to defeat a non-magical monster aligns perfectly with Keanu’s John Wick persona, offering a more pocket-friendly production while maintaining its appeal.
The potential sequel to Constantine is already proving to be highly anticipated. The only thing left is for the filmmakers to bring their best for Keanu Reeves’ celebrated reprisal.
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