(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
"Constantine," starring Keanu Reeves, initially underperformed at the box office, preventing an immediate sequel. However, the film quietly amassed a significant fanbase through home video sales, television reruns, and streaming. Three years ago, Warner Bros. Pictures finally greenlit a sequel, bringing back original director Francis Lawrence and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, much to the delight of fans. Yet, three years on, little progress seems to have been made.
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Peter Stormare, who played Satan in the first "Constantine" film, recently offered a potential explanation for the three-year delay in an interview with The Direct. He stated that there have been many discussions, and he believes Keanu Reeves—whom he knows well—is not entirely satisfied with the script. Stormare suggested that Reeves' dissatisfaction often stems from studio interference. He noted that while the first film wasn't initially a box office hit, it eventually became a sleeper success and is now considered one of the most successful cult films ever. However, when it comes to a sequel, studios tend to push for more action, like "cars flipping through the air" and "characters performing stunts."
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Stormare continued, recalling Reeves telling him that he had already made "John Wick," and that "Constantine" is a spiritual film about demons and ordinary people, a tone he doesn't want to change. Stormare also mentioned discussing how he would portray a divine being descending to Earth, perhaps in a black suit, similar to or slightly different from his Lucifer portrayal in the first film. He acknowledged that he is now 12 years older, making a complete replication of his original performance challenging, but he believes Reeves aims for a sequel very much in line with the first film's style.
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Stormare further elaborated on the current script's predicament, stating that it has become an action film, lacking the character depth of the original. He believes Reeves wants to revisit Constantine with the same realistic tone as the first film, which took a long time to become a successful cult classic and would resonate with audiences again without excessive action or gunfights. Stormare emphasized that other films already offer those elements, urging against turning it into a "Marvel-esque blockbuster" with characters constantly "flying around on harnesses and shooting at each other." He advocated for letting the film unfold naturally without adding such large-scale elements.
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Stormare stressed that these details were relayed to him by Reeves, and he isn't privy to the exact specifics. He mentioned that these were "rumors from his mouth," and Reeves is keen to maintain a high level of secrecy. However, Stormare recounted that he and Reeves have discussed how simply remaking the first film with additional elements could produce a sequel. He drew a parallel to "The Godfather Part II," which built upon the original, noting their similarity and how they can be watched consecutively due to their tight connection. He concluded by advising against making a completely different film, as it would disrupt continuity, suggesting that this is the current dilemma.
via： The Direct