Why Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to Constantine

Why Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to Constantine

Summary

  • Keanu Reeves has always wanted to reprise his role as John Constantine, a demon hunter with a dark past and supernatural abilities.
  • Despite multiple attempts to get a sequel made, Reeves has faced challenges in bringing the character back to the big screen.
  • While the fate of a
    Constantine
    sequel remains uncertain, fans can still enjoy the original 2005 film streaming on Prime Video.

As a long-time fan of Keanu Reeves and the intriguing character he brought to life as John Constantine, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to this ongoing saga. It’s been a rollercoaster ride filled with hope, disappointment, and uncertainty.


With a vast fan base and undeniable charm, Keanu Reeves, at 59 years old, is an esteemed actor of his generation. His appeal extends beyond just talent as he’s involved in projects that often generate significant box office success. Renowned for franchises like “The Matrix” and “John Wick,”, Keanu has earned the title of a bankable star. Yet, what sets him apart is his endearing reputation as “Hollywood’s nicest man,” adding an extra allure to his persona.

I’ve come across countless articles when I type in “Keanu Reeves” and words like “kind,” “generous,” and “grounded.” It’s no exaggeration to say that this man’s real-life story is nothing short of inspiring. What makes it even more endearing is the fact that Keanu Reeves, despite his fame, has experienced his fair share of heartaches and tragedies.

In spite of his famed anonymity and humility, Keanan Reeves’ actions such as occasionally using public transport, showing kindness to strangers, and involvement in numerous charities have significantly added to his endearing popularity in Hollywood. Yet, behind this beloved persona lies a deep-seated desire for him to reprise one role that has eluded him thus far.

Keanu Reeves in Constantine

Keanu Reeves gained massive popularity back in 1989 with his role in “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” leading to a successful acting career marked by blockbuster films and diverse genre roles. Known as a dependable action hero and sci-fi actor, he has also showcased his skills in romance (“The Lakehouse”) and horror (“Bram Stoker’s Dracula”). Among these genres, the role he’s long desired to reprise stems from his horror experiences.

In the year 2005, there was a fantasy-horror film titled “Constantine.” This movie, helmed by Francis Lawrence (later known for directing four out of five “Hunger Games” films), was an adaptation of DC Comics’ gritty “Hellblazer” comic book. Keanu Reeves starred as the main character, John Constantine, a demon hunter who navigated the boundaries between our world and supernatural realms. Due to his past suicide attempt, he was barred from entering heaven and became an antihero with his own flaws while battling malevolent forces.

In his battle against literal and metaphorical demons, Constantine finds himself entangled in a mystical storyline featuring entities from both heaven and hell. He joins forces with detective Angela Dodds (Rachel Weisz) to unravel a sequence of demonic schemes that could disrupt the harmony between good and evil realms. The narrative takes an exciting turn as they come across prominent figures such as Archangel Gabriel (Tilda Swinton) and even Satan himself, culminating in a thrilling cinematic experience that garnered reasonable commercial success.

The Story Came Straight From Keanu Reeves Himself

Why Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to ConstantineWhy Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to ConstantineWhy Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to ConstantineWhy Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to Constantine

Back in 2021, Reeves went on Colbert’s show to discuss “The Matrix Resurrections”. Colbert posed an intriguing question: “Have you ever played a character that you’d love to reprise, but no one seems to be asking?” Reeves considered the query, with Colbert adding playfully, “Be warned, once you answer, someone might just make it happen.” They exchanged humorous banter about the potential consequences of his response.

At that point, Reeves was skeptical that his reply would matter, whereas Colbert held the opinion that it would lead to the character’s comeback in major films. According to Entertainment Weekly’s coverage, when he eventually responded, his statement was succinct but elicited a thunderous applause from the audience present.

I want to play… I would
love
to play… John Constantine again

Although greatly admired by his followers, what followed wasn’t so much surprising as Reeves’ subsequent statement. In true Colbert fashion, the witty host of The Late Show amused viewers by advocating for a role in potential Constantine 2. Yet, Reeves’ following disclosure took many by surprise. He confessed that he had attempted to produce Constantine 2 but failed.

Will a Constantine Sequel Ever Be Made?

Why Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to ConstantineWhy Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to ConstantineWhy Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to ConstantineWhy Keanu Reeves Has Yet to Return to Constantine

Back in 2021, during an interview with Variety, I was thrilled to hear Keanu Reeves expressing his eagerness to reprise the role of John Constantine. However, following this announcement, there seemed to be a long and frustrating silence. I, along with many other fans, were disheartened as we had grown fond of Reeves’ portrayal of the cult favorite character from the comic books and the film “Constantine,” despite its mixed critical reception. Regrettably, the buzz around a potential sequel died down, and for a while, it felt as though the idea was lost in the ether.

In 2014, a show featuring Matt Ryan that was unsuccessful after just one season came to an end, despite Ryan later appearing in The Arrowverse. By 2022, plans for a new Constantine series resurfaced, but were ultimately scrapped. Instead, fans received a delight in the form of a 2018 R-rated animated film that gained widespread acclaim among comic enthusiasts. To their excitement, Warner Bros. abandoned the second series concept and instead announced a sequel, with Reeves set to reprise his role as Constantine.

The movie appeared to hit a roadblock in its development, disappearing from public view for a while. Rumors circulated that an R-rated version was under production. Instead of making a sequel, some suggested a reboot. Even Keanu Reeves, who had shown strong interest in the project, reportedly stepped back.

In 2024, there’s been no definitive announcement about a new Constantine project, but fans like me are keeping our fingers crossed. The specifics are hazy – will it be a sequel? What’s the plot? And most importantly, what role will Keanu Reeves play? While we eagerly anticipate his return as the titular character, there’s speculation that the film might be part of James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe and John Constantine could potentially be recast. Regardless, it looks like a new Constantine project is on the horizon, and all that’s left to determine is how significant Keanu Reeves’ involvement will be – perhaps as the lead once more or just for a cameo appearance. You can currently watch the first Constantine film on Amazon Prime Video.

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2024-07-21 20:31