Constantine 2 Gets Exciting Update From Keanu Reeves (and His Biggest Problem Might Be Fixed)

After wrapping up the original Matrix trilogy, Keanu Reeves looked to make another big splash in the realm of genre entertainment by headlining Constantine, an adaptation of a fan-favorite DC Comics character. Upon release, the film earned mixed reviews and grossed just $230.8 million at the worldwide box office (a far cry from the totals posted by the Matrix films), but in the years since, Constantine has earned a cult following. Renewed passion for the movie has encouraged the filmmakers to develop a sequel, though it’s taking a long time for Constantine 2 to come to fruition. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is the script, and there’s a very encouraging update on that front straight from Reeves.

In an interview with Fandango promoting his new movie Good Fortune, Reeves was asked about the status of Constantine 2. “Fingers crossed. Another draft of the script came in,” he said. “We’re gonna take it to the studio and hopefully they like it too.”

Will Constantine 2 Happen Now That a New Script is Complete?

Earlier in the year, Constantine actor Peter Stormare said Reeves was unhappy with the way the sequel was progressing. Apparently, Reeves was dissatisfied with the action-heavy scripts that were being turned in. Building an action vehicle around Reeves is understandable given the actor’s history, but Reeves is hoping to do something different with Constantine 2. Rather than make another movie with outrageous action sequences and set pieces a la John Wick, he wants to lean into the supernatural elements that make Constantine so unique in the landscape of comic book movies.

If a new Constantine 2 script is about to be presented to the studio, the implication is that Reeves is pleased with the way the latest draft turned out. Obviously, the movie isn’t going to happen without its leading man onboard, so it’s critical for Reeves to be happy with the direction of the story. Reeves didn’t share any details about the script, but the fact that he seems to like it suggests the writers have toned down action elements that were present in previous versions. Taking Reeves’ feedback to heart, the Constantine 2 creative team may have crafted a narrative that’s more grounded and character-driven, setting the sequel apart from the plethora of superhero movies that hit theaters.

Read Next

Keanu Reeves’ Only Live-Action DC Movie Couldn’t Be More Different From the Comics

It’s great there’s a new draft of Constantine 2, but that’s not a guarantee the film is about to move forward. Reeves and Co. still need to get the green light from the studio, which in this case is DC Studios. By now, fans know that DC Studios co-head James Gunn won’t begin production on a project unless he signs off on the script. Depending on how that meeting plays out, Constantine 2 could have to go back to the drawing board, which would push a potential filming start date back even further. It’ll also be interesting to see how Constantine 2 could fit into DC Studios’ release schedule. Reportedly, the plan is for DC Studios to release only 1-2 movies per year, favoring quality over quantity. There are obviously a lot of DC projects in the works, including multiple DC Universe films.

Still, Gunn remains committed to the idea of an Elseworlds label, giving filmmakers a space to make DC movies that don’t take place in the main shared universe continuity. We’re seeing this plan in action with the development of Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II, so Constantine 2 could fall under that umbrella if Gunn likes the script. Gunn doesn’t appear to be in any rush to introduce all of the Justice League members in the DCU, so a legacy sequel to a fan-favorite cult classic could secure one of DC Studios’ precious release dates without upsetting the apple cart.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!