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Fans of Constantine may finally have a reason to feel hopeful about the long-awaited sequel.
Director Francis Lawrence has revealed that he has “renewed hope” that Constantine 2 could move forward following the planned departure of DC Studios leaders James Gunn and Peter Safran.
The sequel has been in development for years, with Keanu Reeves expected to return as the supernatural detective John Constantine. Despite having a story idea and a screenplay, the project has faced delays and difficulties getting approval.
Lawrence believes the previous DC leadership created an obstacle to the film’s progress. However, changes at the studio could give the project another opportunity.
In this article, we explore Lawrence’s latest comments, why the sequel has taken so long, what the leadership changes mean and whether Keanu Reeves could return to the supernatural world.
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Quick Summary: What Is Happening With Constantine 2?
- Director Francis Lawrence has expressed renewed hope for Constantine 2.
- James Gunn and Peter Safran are expected to leave their DC Studios leadership roles in December 2026.
- Keanu Reeves is expected to reprise his role as John Constantine if the sequel moves forward.
- Akiva Goldsman is attached as the screenwriter, while JJ Abrams is involved as a producer.
- Lawrence says the team already has a story idea and a script.
- A separate Constantine film project is also reportedly in development under filmmaker Francis Galluppi.
- No official release date or confirmed production start for Lawrence’s sequel has been announced.
Francis Lawrence Shares New Hope for Constantine 2
Francis Lawrence has given fans fresh hope that Constantine 2 could finally move closer to production.
The filmmaker, who directed the original 2005 supernatural thriller, discussed the project’s long development journey in an interview with Collider.
He explained that the team had been trying to make the sequel for more than 20 years and already had a story idea and screenplay.
Lawrence also made it clear that the difficulties were not caused by a lack of interest from the creative team.
He said:
“Not that I want anybody to lose their jobs, so this is not like a schadenfreude kind of thing, but I will say that we’ve been trying to make Constantine 2 for 20-something years, and we have an idea, and we have a script, and we’ve been wanting to make it, and the people that were at DC were an impediment to us making it.”
His comments suggest that the project has faced difficulties getting the necessary approval rather than a lack of commitment from its key creatives.
Keanu Reeves and the Creative Team Still Want the Sequel
Lawrence also confirmed that several important people involved in the project remain interested.
He mentioned Keanu Reeves, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman and producer JJ Abrams.
Lawrence said:
“It’s not me, it’s not Keanu, it’s not Akiva. JJ [Abrams] is on it, as well. We all want to do it.”
This is encouraging news for fans who have waited years to see Reeves return as the demon-hunting detective.
However, interest from the creative team does not guarantee that the film will receive approval or enter production.
Why Could James Gunn and Peter Safran’s Exit Help Constantine 2?
One of the biggest developments surrounding Constantine 2 is the planned departure of James Gunn and Peter Safran from their leadership positions at DC Studios.
The pair have led DC Studios since 2022, overseeing plans to rebuild and reshape the company’s superhero film and television projects.
Their departure, expected in December 2026 according to the supplied report, could create a new opportunity for projects that previously struggled to gain approval.
Lawrence suggested that the previous leadership had been an obstacle to the sequel.
What Happens After Gunn and Safran Leave?
The leadership change comes after Paramount completed its acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery in October 2026, according to the report.
Former Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham is expected to take over as DC Studios president and chief creative officer.
Latcham has worked on major films, including:
- Iron Man
- The Avengers
- Guardians of the Galaxy
His experience in large-scale film production has attracted attention as fans wait to see how the studio’s plans will develop.
However, it is too early to know whether the new leadership will approve Lawrence’s version of Constantine 2.
James Gunn Is Still Working on Man of Tomorrow
Although Gunn and Safran are expected to leave their leadership positions, Gunn is still involved in his upcoming film Man of Tomorrow.
The movie is a follow-up to 2025’s Superman and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas in July 2027, according to the supplied report.
This shows that Gunn’s departure from the executive role does not mean all his existing DC projects will immediately stop.
What Did Francis Lawrence Say About the Future of Constantine 2?
Lawrence believes the sequel could still happen if the people now responsible for DC’s future agree to support it.
He explained that the project would need approval from the relevant decision-makers at Paramount, Warner Bros and DC.
He said:
“Whether the sequel finally happens will now depend on the people at Paramount, Warner, whoever’s running DC now, getting everybody on board to say, like, ‘Hey, we can do a sequel of our version of Constantine.'”
His comments highlight one major issue: the original Constantine exists as its own established film universe.
The creative team wants to continue that version rather than start again with a completely different interpretation.
Lawrence Says Different Constantine Versions Could Coexist
Another interesting part of Lawrence’s interview was his response to the possibility of DC developing a separate Constantine film.
He said:
“Personally, I don’t even care if somebody has a plan for some sort of shared universe, and they want to do another version of Constantine. If they just let us do the sequel to our version, they can coexist.”
This suggests Lawrence is open to the idea of more than one version of the character appearing on screen.
For fans, this could mean that Reeves’ Constantine story does not necessarily have to become part of DC’s main superhero universe.
However, the studio would still need to approve the project and settle the rights, creative and production arrangements.
A New Constantine Movie Is Already in Development
Interestingly, the sequel directed by Francis Lawrence is not the only Constantine-related project reportedly being developed.
Days before the announcement about Gunn and Safran’s departure, DC Studios reportedly hired filmmaker Francis Galluppi to write and direct a new Constantine film.
Galluppi is known for directing The Last Stop in Yuma County.
The project is separate from the sequel involving Lawrence and Reeves.
How Are the Two Constantine Projects Different?
The distinction is important because fans could easily confuse the two films.
| Project | Reported details |
|---|---|
| Constantine 2 | Francis Lawrence is expected to direct, with Keanu Reeves returning |
| New Constantine film | Francis Galluppi is attached to write and direct |
| Akiva Goldsman’s role | Attached as writer to Lawrence’s sequel |
| JJ Abrams’ role | Involved as a producer on the sequel |
No cast has been announced for Galluppi’s project in the supplied report.
It is also unclear how the two projects will fit into DC’s wider plans.
Could Both Films Be Released?
Lawrence believes both versions could exist.
His comments suggest that a sequel to the 2005 film could continue separately while DC develops a different interpretation of the character.
Whether the studio agrees remains uncertain.
For now, fans will have to wait for official announcements about both projects.
Why Is the Constantine 2 Sequel Taking So Long?
The wait for Constantine 2 has been unusually long.
The original film arrived in cinemas in 2005, but a sequel was not officially announced as being in development until September 2022.
That announcement raised hopes that Reeves would finally return to the role.
However, the project has continued to face delays.
The 2022 Sequel Announcement
Warner Bros announced in September 2022 that a sequel was in development.
The original creative team was expected to return:
- Keanu Reeves as John Constantine.
- Francis Lawrence as director.
- Akiva Goldsman as screenwriter.
- JJ Abrams as producer.
The announcement was a major moment for fans who had supported the original film for years.
Keanu Reeves Confirmed the Team Was Working on a Story
In February 2025, Reeves spoke to Inverse about the sequel.
He explained that the team had been trying to make the film for years and had recently put a story together to present to DC Studios.
He said:
“We just recently put a story together and pitched it to DC Studios and they said, ‘Okay’. So, we’re going to try and write a script.”
This showed that the project had made progress, although a completed screenplay and studio approval were still important steps.
Lawrence’s latest comments now suggest that a script exists, but the film still needs the right support to move forward.
What Made the Original Constantine Film So Popular?
The original Constantine was released in 2005 and starred Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, a cynical supernatural detective and exorcist.
The character comes from DC Comics and the Vertigo comic-book series Hellblazer.
In the film, Constantine has the ability to see angels and demons. He becomes involved in a dangerous supernatural mystery while investigating the apparent suicide of a young woman.
The story combines horror, action, mystery and religious themes.
The Original Film’s Cast
The 2005 movie also featured several well-known actors, including:
- Rachel Weisz.
- Tilda Swinton.
- Shia LaBeouf.
- Djimon Hounsou.
Their performances helped create a distinctive supernatural world that attracted a loyal audience.
How Much Did Constantine Make at the Box Office?
Although the film received mixed reviews when it first arrived in cinemas, it later developed a devoted following.
According to the supplied report, Constantine earned more than $230 million worldwide against a reported production budget of $100 million.
Its long-term popularity has helped keep interest in a sequel alive.
Many fans have continued to ask for Reeves to return as the supernatural detective.
What Could Fans Expect From Constantine 2?
Although the story details have not been officially revealed, fans can reasonably expect the sequel to continue the supernatural world introduced in the original film.
However, the creative team has not confirmed the plot, returning supporting cast or specific villains.
Here are some of the biggest questions surrounding the project.
1. Will Keanu Reeves Return as John Constantine?
Reeves is expected to reprise his role as Constantine, and Lawrence has confirmed that the actor remains interested in making the sequel.
However, the film still needs the necessary studio approval and production arrangements.
2. Will Rachel Weisz Return?
Rachel Weisz played Angela Dodson in the original film.
There is no confirmed information in the supplied report about her return.
Fans will have to wait for an official cast announcement.
3. Will the Sequel Be Connected to the DC Universe?
Lawrence appears open to keeping the sequel separate from DC’s main shared universe.
He believes Reeves’ version could coexist with another interpretation of the character.
The final decision will depend on the studio.
4. When Will Constantine 2 Be Released?
No official release date has been announced.
The project still needs the necessary approvals and production arrangements before a release schedule can be confirmed.
What Needs to Happen Before Constantine 2 Can Begin Filming?
Despite the renewed optimism, the sequel is not yet guaranteed.
Several important steps must happen before cameras can start rolling.
- Studio approval: The new DC leadership and relevant studio decision-makers must agree to move forward.
- Creative agreement: The studio must approve the story and screenplay.
- Cast confirmation: Reeves and any returning actors must finalise their involvement.
- Production planning: The team must agree on a budget, filming schedule and production arrangements.
- Official announcement: Warner Bros, DC or the relevant studio must confirm that the film is moving into production.
Until these steps are completed, fans should treat the sequel as a project with renewed hope rather than a confirmed upcoming release.
Frequently Asked Questions About Constantine 2
1. Is Constantine 2 officially happening?
Constantine 2 remains in development, with director Francis Lawrence expressing renewed hope after the planned departure of James Gunn and Peter Safran from DC Studios. However, a production start and release date have not been confirmed.
2. Will Keanu Reeves return in Constantine 2?
Keanu Reeves is expected to reprise his role as John Constantine. Director Francis Lawrence has said that Reeves and the creative team remain interested in making the sequel.
3. Why has Constantine 2 been delayed for so long?
The sequel has faced difficulties securing the necessary studio support and approval. Lawrence said the previous DC leadership had been an obstacle, even though the team had a story idea and screenplay.
4. Are James Gunn and Peter Safran leaving DC Studios?
According to the supplied report, Gunn and Safran are expected to step down from their DC Studios leadership roles in December 2026. Gunn is still involved in his upcoming film Man of Tomorrow.
5. Is DC making another Constantine movie?
Yes. The supplied report says filmmaker Francis Galluppi has been hired to write and direct a separate Constantine film. This project is different from the sequel involving Keanu Reeves and Francis Lawrence.
Trustworthy External Sources
- Collider – Film and Entertainment Interviews
- The Hollywood Reporter – Movie and Studio News
- DC – Official Website
- Warner Bros. Pictures
