James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, has indicated that plans for Constantine 2 remain alive, keeping hopes alive for the horror-themed follow-up featuring Keanu Reeves as John Constantine. Though no final script has been approved yet, Gunn’s recent comments suggest the project has not been abandoned despite the DC Universe reset earlier this year.
Ongoing Conversations and Script Status
Before the DC Studios relaunch, director Francis Lawrence and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman were connected with the potential sequel, drawing interest from fans of the original film. Gunn shared in a recent interview on the BobaTalks podcast,
“I’ve discussed it on and off. I’ve discussed it with Keanu [Reeves],”
expressing his awareness of the project’s status. He added,
“That’s a great group of guys. I like all those people a lot, I think they’re talented. But I have not read any script yet.”
This highlights that, while discussions continue, a fully developed screenplay remains pending.
DC Studios’ Approach to New Film Projects
Gunn and Safran have emphasized their policy of advancing new DC content only when they have scripts they feel completely confident about. Since the Constantine 2 script has not been finalized, it remains in early development stages. This cautious strategy has resulted in many pre-DC Studios projects being shelved, making the sequel’s future uncertain but not impossible.
Exploration of Horror Elements in the DC Universe
The horror direction remains an important avenue for DC Studios, as seen with James Watkins’ upcoming Clayface film. Scripted by Mike Flanagan, known for his work on Doctor Sleep, the movie will explore the Batman villain’s transformation into a monstrous shapeshifter within Gotham City. Additionally, a remake of Swamp Thing, attached previously to James Mangold, also promised to blend horror with superhero elements. However, Mangold’s recent deal with Paramount Pictures suggests that if the project moves forward, it may be without his involvement.
Busy Schedules of Key Filmmakers
Francis Lawrence, who was once linked to the sequel, is currently engaged with other projects including Lionsgate’s Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel to The Hunger Games. He is also scheduled to direct the much-anticipated live-action BioShock adaptation for Netflix, which further limits his availability to return for Constantine 2.
What This Means for the Future of Constantine in the DC Universe
While the path to producing Constantine 2 remains unclear, James Gunn’s willingness to keep discussing the project offers hope to fans eager for Keanu Reeves to reprise his role. With DC Studios focusing on strong narratives and fresh creative approaches, the sequel could be revived if a compelling script emerges. Meanwhile, the expansion into horror-centered stories demonstrates the studio’s commitment to diverse genre storytelling within the DC Universe.
DC fans and industry watchers will likely continue to monitor updates from Gunn and Safran regarding the fate of this cult favorite, as the studio balances its slate of new films and series under the refreshed DC Studios banner.
