It has been two decades since the cinematic release of Constantine, yet director Francis Lawrence reveals that the much-anticipated sequel, Constantine 2, is now ?closer than ever? to becoming a reality. Fans of the original film can rejoice as the project gains momentum, promising to delve deeper into the supernatural elements that captivated audiences in 2005.
Nearly three years have elapsed since Warner Bros. announced the development of this long-awaited sequel to Constantine. During this time, significant changes have transpired, including the leadership transition at DC Studios with James Gunn and Peter Safran stepping in. Nevertheless, the project remains alive and vibrant. Director Francis Lawrence recently expressed to Collider that Constantine 2 is ?closer than ever? to reaching production.
?I will say we are closer than ever to being able to do a sequel, which is a great thing,? Lawrence enthusiastically stated. ?And Akiva, Keanu and I are super, super excited about it.? The sequel is set to be directed by Lawrence, following a script penned by Akiva Goldsman, with the iconic Keanu Reeves reprising his role as the enigmatic exorcist and demonologist.
The original Constantine was launched in 2005 and achieved a commendable box office gross of $230.9 million, operating on a budget that ranged between $70 to $100 million. The storyline centered around Constantine aiding an LAPD detective, played by Rachel Weisz, in uncovering the truth behind her sister?s death, revealing it to be far more sinister than a mere suicide. Regarding the sequel, Lawrence hinted at exciting developments but refrained from divulging major plot details, simply stating, ?We have a great idea.?
He elaborated, ?We have gone through a bunch of the comics over the years and looked at things. I will say that there?s probably grains from things that we?re pulling, but in truth, most of it is just coming from the three of us, you know, loving the character, loving the world, having it sort of in the back of our minds for 20 years and just kind of percolating on ideas, and stories and characters we love, and ideas we love.?
Lawrence has previously indicated his desire to craft Constantine 2 with an R-rating in mind, aiming for a more authentic and intense experience. ?One of the biggest things for me about the first one was we followed, per Warner Bros., the rules to make a PG-13 movie in terms of violence, blood, language, sexuality,? Lawrence reflected. ?But the ratings board gave us a hard R based on their the gray zone of intensity. And my big, big regret was that we have an R-rated movie that?s really a PG-13 movie. If I was going to have to go have an R, I would have really made an R-rated movie. I would have made it much scarier and much more violent and I would have really made an R-rated movie. The idea is this time, at least for me, is to really go at it and make a real R-rated Constantine which is, I think, what people always wanted originally, not the PG-13 version that just happens to get an R.?
In honor of its 20th anniversary, the original Constantine will be released in stunning 4K Ultra HD on February 18th, providing fans with an opportunity to experience the film in a whole new light.
