First Look at Constantine 2 (2024)

General Information:

• Director: Francis Lawrence (director of Constantine 2005)
• Writers: Akiva Goldsman (script, returning from the original)
• Starring:
  • Keanu Reeves as John Constantine
  • Rachel Weisz (returning as Angela Dodson)
  • Tilda Swinton (returning as Gabriel)
  • Peter Stormare (returning as Lucifer)
  • New Cast Members: TBA (rumors point to major additions including The Sandman or Justice League Dark characters)
• Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
• Release Date: 2025 (expected fall release)

Plot Overview:

Constantine 2 will bring back the supernatural, darkly atmospheric world of John Constantine, a demon hunter with a tortured past and a deep connection to the occult. The film will follow Constantine as he faces a new and even more dangerous supernatural threat, but this time, he’s not alone. The long-awaited sequel will continue the story of Constantine’s battle with dark forces, expanding on the consequences of his actions from the first film, and introducing more complex mythologies from the DC Comics universe.

At the end of Constantine (2005), the character’s fate was left somewhat ambiguous, but with the help of his ally Angela, he managed to defeat the demon Mammon and prevent a Hellish apocalypse. However, the sequel will likely see Constantine grappling with the aftereffects of his past, the continued weight of his damned soul, and a new supernatural threat that could endanger both the human and spiritual realms.

The story will delve deeper into Constantine’s relationships with other supernatural beings, both friend and foe, including the mysterious angel Gabriel (Tilda Swinton), the manipulative Lucifer (Peter Stormare), and perhaps new characters from the larger DC supernatural universe, such as members of Justice League Dark.

Key Highlights:

1. Keanu Reeves Returning as Constantine
   • One of the most exciting aspects of Constantine 2 is the return of Keanu Reeves as the titular antihero. Constantine, with his chain-smoking, sardonic wit, and struggle with his own moral compass, has become an iconic character for Reeves. The first film’s mix of horror, thriller, and dark humor became a cult hit, and Reeves’ charismatic yet haunted portrayal of the character will continue to be the driving force of the sequel. His portrayal of the character’s vulnerability, wit, and gritty determination is sure to deepen as Constantine confronts even darker threats in Constantine 2.
2. Exploring More of the Supernatural World
   • Constantine (2005) only touched on the expansive supernatural world that exists within DC Comics. Constantine 2 is expected to dive much deeper into this world, potentially bringing in elements from Justice League Dark (a team of supernatural heroes) and other occult-based characters from DC’s deep lore. Characters like Zatanna, Swamp Thing, and Deadman have all been tied to the supernatural realm in the comics, and they could be introduced in the sequel.
   • Expect a more expansive depiction of the realms of Heaven, Hell, and everything in between, especially as Constantine confronts new, even more dangerous demons and forces.
3. Dark Action and Horror
   • The first Constantine film mixed horror elements with action, creating a grim atmosphere filled with grotesque demons, dark rituals, and intense action sequences. The sequel will likely continue this tone, with Constantine using his occult knowledge, his ability to summon and banish demons, and his trickster charm to outsmart even more terrifying supernatural threats.
   • Expect darker action scenes, perhaps with Constantine engaging in a full-scale war with otherworldly forces, as well as high-stakes sequences where the boundaries between life and death become blurred.
4. The Return of Rachel Weisz as Angela Dodson
   • Angela Dodson, the police officer who becomes entangled in Constantine’s battle with the supernatural in the first film, is expected to return in the sequel. While Angela’s arc in the first film revolved around her dealing with the death of her twin sister, she may have a more active role in the sequel, possibly as Constantine’s ally or someone helping him navigate the increasingly complex supernatural world. Angela’s connection to the forces of Heaven (as seen in her personal arc in the first film) could also be explored further, especially as Constantine confronts new celestial or demonic threats.
5. Tilda Swinton and Peter Stormare Return as Gabriel and Lucifer
   • One of the standout elements of the first Constantine film was the casting of Tilda Swinton as the androgynous, morally ambiguous angel Gabriel and Peter Stormare as the devilish, manipulative Lucifer. Their performances were chilling and memorable, and both are expected to reprise their roles in Constantine 2.
   • Gabriel’s role as a complicated, often contradictory figure in Constantine’s life is likely to be expanded, as her/her goals could become more ambiguous in the sequel. Likewise, Lucifer’s appearance could be even more menacing and cunning in the sequel, especially if Constantine’s actions have attracted the attention of the devil once again.
6. Increased Focus on Constantine’s Moral Struggles
   • Constantine’s internal conflict is central to the character’s appeal. A man whose actions often toe the line between good and evil, he is deeply aware of the consequences of his own existence as someone damned to Hell. The sequel will likely continue exploring Constantine’s guilt, his struggle with his own damnation, and his desire for redemption, even if he’s not entirely sure how to achieve it.
   • Expect Constantine to face more difficult decisions about who he helps, who he sacrifices, and whether his own soul is worth saving in the grand scheme of things.
7. Visually Stunning Cinematography and Dark Aesthetics
   • The original Constantine was known for its moody and visually arresting cinematography, from its depiction of Hell to the intricate occult rituals Constantine performs. The sequel is expected to take this to the next level with more elaborate set pieces, expansive CGI landscapes, and even more strikingly designed supernatural creatures.
   • Expect a mix of practical effects (particularly for the demons and monsters) alongside high-tech CGI to create hauntingly beautiful sequences, including depictions of Hell and otherworldly realms that feel both menacing and surreal.

Potential Concerns:

1. Balancing Tone and Action
   • One of the challenges of Constantine 2 is ensuring the balance between action, supernatural horror, and the deep character study that made the original film work. While the action and world-building are important, the first film’s success was rooted in its complex and somewhat somber tone. The sequel will need to balance larger-than-life action scenes with the emotional weight of Constantine’s character arc.
2. Expanding the World Without Losing the Focus
   • The Constantine franchise is built around a personal, character-driven story that combines supernatural elements with a gritty, grounded approach. Expanding the mythology to include larger supernatural factions or heroes from the DC Comics universe could dilute the focus on Constantine himself if not handled carefully. The filmmakers will need to make sure that any new characters or subplots serve the story rather than distracting from it.
3. Expectations After the Cult Classic Status of the Original
   • The original Constantine has gained a devoted fanbase since its release in 2005, and the bar has been set high. Constantine 2 will need to live up to the original film’s dark charm, especially with Keanu Reeves’ return. The sequel has the potential to be either a big hit or a disappointment depending on how closely it follows the blueprint of the first film while also offering something fresh and exciting.

Verdict:

Constantine 2 promises to deliver more supernatural thrills, dark action, and intense character drama, expanding on the mythos of the original film while retaining the moody atmosphere that made the first film so iconic. With Keanu Reeves returning to his cult-favorite role, along with the return of key players like Tilda Swinton and Peter Stormare, Constantine 2 has the potential to be an exciting follow-up that dives deeper into the world of the occult and John Constantine’s inner struggles.

Anticipation Level: High
Rating (Based on Early Teaser Info): 8/10
Impact: Likely to be a hit with fans of the original, though it will have to contend with high expectations for continuing the franchise’s cult status.