The much-anticipated Keanu Reeves Constantine 2 update signals that any sequel will need to pass a significant quality threshold before moving forward at DC Studios. Since the 2005 original film, which was not an immediate box office success but gained a cult following, Keanu Reeves has been vocal about returning as John Constantine, navigating the supernatural world between good and evil. This sequel, if greenlit, will exist under the DC Elseworlds banner, which features stories set outside the central continuity of the new DC Universe steered by James Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran.
As fans of both the film and Reeves’ unique interpretation of the character wait for concrete news, it appears that the future of Constantine 2 hinges on a script that meets exceptionally high standards set by DC leadership. Recent developments suggest that Reeves’ continued interest and commitment are not enough; the screenplay’s quality will determine whether the movie is made.
James Gunn Outlines High Expectations for DC Elseworlds Projects
Recently, James Gunn addressed the status of several DC projects during the press tour for his upcoming Superman film. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn explained the current process for evaluating potential stand-alone, or “Elseworlds,” stories — projects set outside the core DC Universe franchise. While Gunn did not mention Constantine 2 by name, he described meeting with
“a very, very, very famous movie actor”
who pitched him a new Elseworlds project. This description matches Keanu Reeves, given the momentum behind the Constantine sequel and his status in Hollywood.
Gunn emphasized the importance of outstanding writing and quality control for all DC projects, especially those set in alternative universes. He recounted a conversation with the unnamed actor, revealing the demanding standards for approval.
“So there’s definitely room for people to tell other stories…And when it’s somebody who’s important, like Matt Reeves — who I’ve had an admiration for a long time as one of the very, very few filmmakers who is out there making spectacle, commercial fair, that is also an artist — then you have to stand up and listen. The script still needs to be good. We’re not going to make it unless we like the script. But I think that there are exceptions. I told it to one person who came in and pitched something that was an Elseworlds tale. It was a very, very, very famous movie actor. I said,”
It depends on how the screenplay comes out…If it’s a masterpiece, I’ll make it, but it has to be a masterpiece.“[Laughs] And he is like,”I don’t know if it’s a masterpiece.
“He got all funny. He’s still working on it, though. He is still trying to do it, so we’ll see. Masterpiece might be pushing it, but it’s got to be really great.
If it’s an Elseworlds tale, then it’s worth telling something that might tend to confuse a few people. But also part of our thing is really being clear about what is Elseworlds and what is DCU. And the other thing is not just giving away properties like they’re party favors to people doing low-budget TV shows or stuff that we have no quality control over because we’re making a few thousand dollars on the rights. It is having some sense of quality control over everything.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
The insistence on a “masterpiece” script as a prerequisite for approving Elseworlds movies underscores Gunn’s focus on elevating the standards for DC projects outside the main narrative universe, especially as the studio works to clarify the distinction between DCU and Elseworlds content for audiences.
Behind the Scenes: Reeves’ Reported Discontent with the Script
Keanu Reeves has tried for years to secure a sequel to Constantine, reportedly pitching the idea in line with Gunn’s comments about famous actors championing new Elseworlds projects. With his renewed popularity following recent John Wick and The Matrix roles, Reeves remains in high demand, but Constantine 2 still faces obstacles behind the scenes due to the script’s development.
In May, Peter Stormare, who appeared as Lucifer in the first film, commented on the status of Constantine 2, stating that Reeves was not satisfied with the sequel’s script. According to Stormare, Reeves wants to recapture the character and story’s tone from the original, preferring a direct connection to the first movie. The studio, however, is pushing for more spectacle and set pieces, likely hoping to address the commercial shortcomings of the 2005 film. These creative differences add tension to the project and, when combined with Gunn’s new comments, highlight why the sequel remains uncertain.
Gunn’s earlier statement was crystal clear:
“It depends on how the screenplay comes out…If it’s a masterpiece, I’ll make it, but it has to be a masterpiece.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
Reeves’ own reaction to the high bar, as described by Gunn, was,
“I don’t know if it’s a masterpiece.”
—Unnamed movie actor, attributed by James Gunn
With the screenplay not yet considered “masterpiece” material, Reeves has reportedly returned to further refine it, demonstrating the immense pressure and creative stakes associated with moving this project forward.
What Comes Next for Constantine 2 and the DC Elseworlds
The current state of Constantine 2’s development suggests a challenging path ahead. Although Elseworlds projects are given flexibility within DC Studios’ new framework, they face a higher bar than other spin-offs or lower-budget television adaptations. Gunn’s approach, which recently enabled projects like Mike Flanagan’s Clayface movie to go forward based on exceptional scripts, sets a clear precedent: only work that surpasses expectations will earn a green light.
Other projects, such as the upcoming Justice League, are under similar scrutiny, suggesting a broader shift for the DC Universe as a whole. As the studio seeks to draw clear lines between canonical and stand-alone stories, movies like Constantine 2 will need both creative vision and narrative excellence.
At its core, Constantine 2 is envisioned as a continuation of John Constantine’s struggle against supernatural forces, building upon the cult status of the original. Reeves’ loyalty to the tone and story of the first movie, coupled with industry expectations for more ambitious spectacle, means the finished product must balance fan nostalgia with the studio’s desire for commercial appeal and artistic merit.
As both James Gunn and Keanu Reeves maintain high standards for the project, audiences should prepare for a long wait. Should Constantine 2 move forward, it will likely signify that the script not only satisfies its creators’ demands but also achieves something rare in the world of superhero cinema—a true masterpiece tailored for fans old and new.
Keanu Reeves Leads the Cast
Keanu Reeves will return as John Constantine if the sequel advances, reprising the role of the exorcist and demonologist at the heart of the franchise. Reeves’ performance in the original movie helped define Constantine for a generation of moviegoers, despite initial commercial challenges. The sequel, if made, will further explore Constantine’s ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil in a supernatural world that continually tests his limits.
