It's been nearly 20 years since Keanu Reeves brought the supernatural world of “Constantine” to life, and the 2005 film has since built a strong cult following. Now, fans can finally rejoice as the sequel is officially happening. In an exciting update, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura confirmed that screenwriter Akiva Goldsman has finished the script, and director Francis Lawrence is returning to helm the project. Reeves, of course, will step back into his role as John Constantine, the exorcist who treads the line between heaven and hell.
The original Constantine may have had a mixed reception when it was released, but it grossed $280 million globally and has continued to attract new viewers, thanks to its home video success. Over time, the film has become a fan-favorite, despite the lukewarm critical response. This time, with a fresh script in place, fans are hoping the sequel can deliver on the original's potential while expanding the world of the supernatural detective.
Akiva Goldsman, whose screenwriting career includes a wide array of films like A Beautiful Mind (which won him an Academy Award), I, Robot, and The Da Vinci Code, is at the helm of this script. His track record spans from the infamous (Batman & Robin) to the sublime (Cinderella Man), which keeps the buzz around the sequel alive with curiosity. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, however, humorously admitted that he hasn't yet read the script, saying, “I want it to be good so bad,” revealing his hope for the film's success.
Adding to the excitement, J.J. Abrams has joined the project as a producer and creative consultant, bringing his expertise in crafting visually stunning and compelling narratives. With the recent end of the WGA strike, the project is back in motion after temporary delays, and meetings between Reeves, Goldsman, and Lawrence suggest the team is as eager as the fans to bring this supernatural world back to the big screen.
“Constantine 2” is shaping up to be a film worth watching, with its seasoned cast and crew working to craft a worthy continuation of this beloved character's journey. Whether the sequel can surpass its predecessor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: fans will be ready.
