Constantine 2 Writer Shares Positive Update on the Anticipated Sequel

A new update has come in on the anticipated Constantine sequel. Back in 2005, Keanu Reeves played John Constantine in the original live-action movie based on the DC comic book character. More recently, it was reported that a sequel was in the works at Warner Bros. with writer Akiva Goldsman penning the script. It was also reported that the plan was for Reeves to reprise his role as John Constantine while Francis Lawrence would also return as director.

There have been some rumors floating around that Constantine 2 had been canceled, but Goldsman confirms that the project is still very much happening. He clarifies that it’s merely on pause because of the WGA writers strike, noting that work can’t begin on the screenplay until the strike finishes. With that said, Goldsman said he knows where to take the story after having talks with Reeves and Lawrence, so once the strike ends, he plans to start work immediately on Constantine 2, though it’ll be alongside I Am Legend 2 – another sequel he’s writing that stars Will Smith.

“My pens are down, so there’s nothing to do,” Goldsman told ThePlaylist. “But, yeah, those are the next things I’m writing when I’m allowed to write again. And I had already begun [I Am] Legend 2 when we [started striking], and Frances [Lawrence], Keanu [Reeves], and I have broken Constantine 2. I just haven’t started typing yet.”

Full plot details on Constantine 2 haven’t been revealed, though Goldsman previously teased how the involvement of Reeves and Lawrence helped shape the idea for the story.

“The character is very much Keanu and the way he and Francis saw the world of good and evil, and the wonderful and authentic noir where there is a world behind the world of good and evil coexist with our world right up close. Beyond that, we are still discovering it as I am writing the script,” the writer told Deadline.

Related: Rachel Weisz Comments on Potential Return in Constantine 2

Constantine 2 Will Start Getting Scripted Once the Strike Ends

In March, Reeves had cast some doubt on the sequel when he said that Constantine 2 wasn’t a sure thing, noting that he’s “hoping it would” happen and that they were “trying” to make it so. Goldsman’s latest update seems to suggest that pretty much everything has since been sorted out other than moving on to the next step of getting the screenplay made. For now, that part will just have to remain on hold, pending the conclusion of the strike.

The first Constantine was directed by Lawrence and written by Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello. Goldsman served as a producer on the film. Along with Reeves, the movie starred Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Tilda Swinton, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Djimon Hounsou, Gavin Rossdale, and Peter Stormare.

While Constantine 2 is still in development, albeit on pause until the writers strike ends, a release date hasn’t yet been announced for the film. Meanwhile, you can stream the original Constantine on Max.