Just Give Us Constantine 2, You Cowards

The original Constantine found an audience in the era before superhero cinematic universes dominated the box office by blending superhero action with supernatural horror. It was buoyed by the star power of Keanu Reeves, already a major star on the back of The Matrix franchise. In many ways, the desire for Constantine 2 is a desire for the more creatively diverse types of superhero movies that came before the MCU and DCEU. 

The state of the sequel has been in constant flux since immediately after the original released, with fans hanging on every detail that makes its way into the news. At various times J.J. Abrams and Guillermo Del Torro have been in discussion to direct either Constantine 2 or another project involving the the Keanu Reeves version of the character, with Reeves himself having been a champion of the project at every step. However, none of these rumors or behind-the-scenes plans ever made it past the planning phase. 

Even so, the possibility of Constantine 2 happening remains just possible enough to give fans a vague sense of hope. Most recently the original film producer, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, stated that he’s still hopeful the sequel could happen. Just as importantly, Keanu Reeves has stated that he’s discussed the possibility with DCEU heads James Gunn and Peter Safran and a continuation of the character is on the table for their new vision for the franchise. 

While Constantine 2 remains a nebulous possibility that may or may not happen, it’s not the only possibility for continuing the character. As the DCEU is in a state of transition John Constantine could find his way into the universe in a multitude of different ways. If the Reeves version of the character were to return it would likely be as an Elseworld, or multiverse, spin-off. Perhaps more likely is a new version of the character coming with a full reboot, that may or may not involve Reeves. 

While the film version of the character hasn’t appeared since 2005, a very different version of the character has appeared on various shows, including his own spin-off, played by Matt Ryan. For fans of the character more broadly this separate version of the character may scratch the itch for more Constantine in their lives. However, for fans of the specific movie version, nothing can substitute for the lack of a proper Constantine 2. 

Of course, fans of the character can also go to the source and experience the multiple decades’ worth of comics starring John Constantine originally as a side character in Swamp Thing and then in his title Hellblazer. Like many comic book characters, there are many different versions and takes on the character, so while it may take some digging fans are likely to find a version that fits their tastes.. So while Constantine 2 remains an unknown there are plenty of stories for fans to explore.