Keanu Reeves’ DC Character Sets New Movie Despite Long-Delayed Sequel
A New Constantine Film
Deadline reports that Galluppi, whose credits include Evil Dead Wrath, will write a new Constantine movie. DC Studios has not officially commented, and the film’s place in the franchise has not been identified.
The project is separate from the sequel to Reeves’ 2005 film, which was recently reported to remain in development after the Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance merger. It is not yet known whether both films will proceed.
Earlier Returns for Constantine
Several efforts have aimed to give John Constantine another solo screen project. Matt Ryan played the character in NBC’s Constantine, which ended after one season, then continued as the occult detective in The CW’s Arrowverse and Legends of Tomorrow.
J.J. Abrams’ Justice League Dark plans also included a Constantine series. Guy Bolton was hired to write it, and four scripts had been produced, Variety reported in 2022. The streaming project was later scrapped after Reeves’ sequel was announced.
Justice League Dark Plans
Abrams’ broader Justice League Dark concept did not move forward. Plans included a Zatanna feature from Emerald Fennell and a Madame X series about Madame Xanadu from Angela Robinson, but neither project proceeded.
A new film could still fit the DC Universe’s supernatural side, though its continuity is unknown. James Mangold’s Swamp Thing is still being written, and Mangold is set to direct if the project goes forward.
Horror’s Place in DC
The Constantine news follows the theatrical release of James Watkins’ Clayface, part of the DCU’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters.” The film has grossed $90.5 million worldwide on a reported budget of $30 million to $44 million. Tom Rhys Harries stars in Clayface, which has a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score from 218 reviews and a 94% audience score. Whether its reception influences further DC horror projects is uncertain.
If the new Constantine film joins Gunn’s continuity, it could share the supernatural setting envisioned for Swamp Thing. Reeves’ sequel might also coexist with a reboot, as the Batman films continue under the Elseworlds banner while a DCU version is in development.
Key points
- Francis Galluppi is set to write a new Constantine movie, according to Deadline.
- DC Studios has not said whether the film belongs to the DCU or Elseworlds.
- The status of Reeves’ sequel remains uncertain alongside the new project.
- Clayface has earned $90.5 million worldwide on a reported $30 million to $44 million budget.