Constantine 2 Producer Explains Why The Character Still Resonates With Fans

As a seasoned gamer and comic book enthusiast with decades under my belt, I can confidently say that John Constantine has been a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions. From his humble beginnings as a C-tier DC Comics character to his long-running series and eventual cinematic debut in 2005, Constantine has captured the hearts of many, myself included.


For numerous years, John Constantine was considered a lower-tier character in DC Comics, despite his comic book series becoming one of the company’s longest-running titles, spanning 300 issues before its conclusion. The 2005 film adaptation, starring Keanu Reeves, redesigned John as an American character while preserving his core essence. The movie also features other mystical DC characters such as Papa Midnite and a remarkable depiction of the Devil by Peter Stormare.

20 years on, despite some believing it’s not a flawless adaptation, the movie has garnered a devoted fanbase and is now set for a sequel. Though specifics about the plot or Keanu’s involvement remain unclear, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura offers insights as to why this film continues to resonate. During a chat at San Diego Comic-Con about his upcoming project, Transformers One, the discussion veered towards the enduring appeal of Constantine.

“At Comic-Con, he shared with TopMob his perspective: the charm of Constantine lies in the character itself, which is why it captivates audiences. He believes Keanu Reeves was an ideal choice for the role. The story’s unique blend of tongue-in-cheek cynicism and mythology makes it enjoyable and less common in films today. This, he suggests, could be one reason why it made such an impact, as it offers a different perspective compared to other movies that focus on adventure and extraordinary events. However, the main character is disaffected, and they play with this idea.”

As a die-hard fan, I initially admired Keanu Reeves’ brief stint portraying the iconic character. His tenure led to a video game and mini toyline expansion. Then, in an unexpected turn of events, John was reimagined with Matt Ryan for a television series. Notably, Ryan not only acted out the role on the show but also lent his voice to the animated adaptations in series and films. Furthermore, he gracefully reprised his role in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, leaving an indelible mark on my fandom experience.

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2024-08-06 19:39