Director James Gunn Says "He's in Discussions" With Keanu Reeves About a 'Constantine 2' Sequel

Nearly two decades after Keanu Reeves first brought the chain-smoking, demon-fighting exorcist John Constantine to life on the big screen, talks of a sequel are once again gaining momentum. Although he hasn't read a script yet, James Gunn, co-chief of DC Studios, has now acknowledged that he has been in talks with Reeves regarding 'Constantine 2.' 

The revelation has reignited excitement among fans who have long hoped to see Reeves return to one of his most enigmatic and beloved roles. With the cult success of the 2005 original and a renewed interest in darker, more character-driven superhero stories, 'Constantine 2' could mark a major comeback for both Reeves' iconic antihero and the supernatural side of the DC universe.

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A Cult Classic Resurfaces

When the 2005 film 'Constantine' first appeared, it recounted the unique narrative of John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), a cynical exorcist and demonologist who can see the actual nature of angels and demons among us. Despite initially receiving negative reviews and box office receipts, Francis Lawrence's film, which was partially inspired on the Hellblazer books, eventually developed a loyal fan base by fusing supernatural excitement with moral ambiguity. 

Reeves has expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the role, saying he's "aching to play this guy" again. For years, fans have speculated about a follow-up, but only recently did the key players publicly acknowledge significant movement. 

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Gunn's Confirmation and the Sequel Pitch

During the BobaTalks podcast, James Gunn, who is currently co-head of DC Studios, provided an update, saying, "I've discussed it on and off. I’ve discussed it with Keanu." Importantly, he added, "But I have not read any script yet." Reeves had previously disclosed that he and director Francis Lawrence had been working on 'Constantine 2' for more than ten years, and that a plot treatment had just been submitted to DC Studios and has been approved for writing.

Gunn's involvement marks a change; he will probably be involved in approving or monitoring the project’s course to make sure it aligns with the DC slate's larger goals. However, Gunn is obviously exercising caution because he hasn't received the script yet; the sequel is still very much in the planning stages.

Development Challenges and What's at Stake

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While enthusiasm is high, there are hurdles. Reeves, who wants the sequel to remain faithful to the more sombre and spiritual tone of the original rather than relying solely on big-budget action, reportedly wasn't satisfied with earlier drafts of the script. The original film's status as a cult favourite means expectations are steep: fans want something worthy of the legacy.

'Constantine 2' will probably be treated as an Elseworlds-style project if it proceeds, allowing for artistic flexibility outside of the normal DC Universe narrative. While Gunn's participation shows that the studio is taking the project seriously, it also highlights that makers are treating the project with a certain level of intensity and selectiveness. Fans will need to be patient, but hopeful, until the script is locked and the production is officially revealed.

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