Development on the sequel to the 2005 DC Comics film Constantine remains stalled, with Keanu Reeves’ concerns over Constantine 2 scripts cited as a key reason for the delay, according to statements from co-star Peter Stormare. The future of this cult franchise appears to hinge on aligning the new film’s script with the vision held by its star and original director, as revealed through new behind-the-scenes details.
Franchise Faces Setbacks as Reeves Pushes for Authentic Storytelling
Peter Stormare, who memorably portrayed Lucifer in the original Constantine, recently shared insights into the long-running challenges surrounding the sequel‘s production. Stormare explained that the primary hurdle has been the ongoing script revisions. The latest version of the story, pitched by Keanu Reeves and director Francis Lawrence to DC Studios in early 2025, received approval to proceed, yet substantive progress has stalled because Reeves remains dissatisfied with the evolving drafts.
During promotional interviews for his 2025 film Stand Your Ground, Stormare commented on the difficult creative negotiations surrounding Constantine 2, shedding light on how Reeves’ dedication to the character and source material is impacting forward movement. The project has encountered repeated cycles of script adjustments, as the team strives to find common ground between studio expectations and artistic intent.
Describing the current state of production, Stormare revealed,
“It’s a lot of back and forth, because… I think Keanu [Reeves], which I know pretty good, is not so happy with the scripts and usually what comes out of the studios… Because the first one wasn’t that successful in the beginning, it became a sleeper and became a cult movie, and now it is one of the biggest cult movies ever. But to do a sequel, the studios want to have, you know, cars flying in the air. They want to have people doing flip-flops and fighting action scenes.”
—Peter Stormare, Actor
Creative Differences Center Around Tone and Substance
Stormare discussed the contrasting visions for the sequel, emphasizing that Reeves’ main concern lies in retaining the unique spiritual depth that distinguished the original film. The actor remarked on Reeves’ wishes to avoid turning Constantine 2 into a formulaic action blockbuster focused on superficial spectacle. This conflict between grounded storytelling and heightened action elements appears to be complicating approval of the script.
He outlined Reeves’ stance by relaying,
“And I think Keanu says, ‘I’ve done ‘John Wick.’ This movie is spiritual. It’s about demons and regular people. And I wanted to keep it that way.’ And we talked about that. I want to do God coming down exactly the same way, but in a black suit and looking more or less like Lucifer from the first one. I’m 12 years older, so it’s going to be hard to, you know, completely imitate the first movie. But, I think from Keanu, he wants to do a sequel that is very close to the first one.”
—Peter Stormare, Actor
Central characters from the first film, including Tilda Swinton as Gabriel and Stormare’s Lucifer, are expected to return, with Stormare noting,
“I think Keanu is very proud of that. He was fighting for it to be a character that he loved and wanted to develop. And I mean, with Tilda Swinton doing Gabriel, it is a cool character. And even my Lucifer is a cool character that you can relate to as a viewer… They wanted to dress me up like, you know, like a devil with a tail and a pitchfork and whatever, but we were really fighting for me to have, like, an off-white suit and do it very simple.”
—Peter Stormare, Actor
These comments illustrate that much of the cast and the creative team are united in supporting an authentic continuation rather than a radical reinvention of the property.
Attempts to Preserve Constantine’s Cult Appeal
Stormare further highlighted the potential risks of straying too far from what resonated with fans of the original. He acknowledged that both he and Reeves favor an approach that focuses on character-driven drama and mystical elements, echoing the themes that have since lifted Constantine to cult status. He warned against the pressure to adapt to current blockbuster trends, stating,
“It turns into an action movie, and not like going deeper and deeper into the characters. I think he wants to do his character again, Constantine, as grounded as it was in the first one. It took a long time for you to become a cult movie, it really worked, and it will work on the audience again. You don’t have to add a lot of action and shootouts. You have other movies. Don’t turn it into big Marvel… [Don’t turn it] into us flying around in harnesses all the time and shooting each other up. Don’t bring in the big guns. Let it be.”
—Peter Stormare, Actor
Key figures, including producer Francis Lawrence and DC Studios executives James Gunn and Peter Safran, have supported the endeavor, granting permission for the creative team to move forward with the next phase. Nonetheless, the process of developing a satisfactory script has proven more complicated and prolonged than anticipated. Stormare summarized their position by explaining,
“That is just hearsay from him, you know, and it’s trying to be very secretive. As we say, both me and him, just do the first movie again and add some other elements, and you have a sequel. ‘The Godfather 2’ was a sequel that was built on number one. They are similar. You can actually see number one and two together, and they stick together. So, don’t do a completely different movie, then it won’t hold together. And I think that’s where we are, yeah.”
—Peter Stormare, Actor
Longstanding Efforts and Studio Approvals
The ambition to create a Constantine sequel has a long history, extending back to the early 2010s when director Francis Lawrence first suggested revisiting the world of John Constantine. Over time, original actors such as Stormare and Reeves, along with Lawrence, reaffirmed their willingness to participate, gradually building momentum for the sequel.
The blessing from DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran came in February 2025, allowing Reeves and his team to proceed with script development. Despite this important approval, the latest updates from Stormare suggest that significant concerns remain regarding the direction of the narrative, with no completed script ready for production.
Although various iterations of a sequel have surfaced, the creative team has prioritized authenticity and faithfulness to the cult classic’s tone and substance. Pressure to include extravagant set-pieces and modern superhero tropes stands in conflict with the core vision shared by Reeves, Stormare, and others involved from the outset.
Cast and Crew Commitment to Staying True to the Original
The affection that Keanu Reeves holds for his portrayal of John Constantine is repeatedly emphasized in Stormare’s comments, reflecting the actor’s determination to guard the integrity of the role.
“I think Keanu is very proud of that. He was fighting for it to be a character that he loved and wanted to develop. And I mean, with Tilda Swinton doing Gabriel, it is a cool character. And even my Lucifer is a cool character that you can relate to as a viewer… They wanted to dress me up like, you know, like a devil with a tail and a pitchfork and whatever, but we were really fighting for me to have, like, an off-white suit and do it very simple.”
—Peter Stormare, Actor
This commitment is shared by other original cast members and extends to behind-the-scenes figures such as director Francis Lawrence. The team appears wary of outside influences that could dilute or upend the atmosphere and focus that defined the franchise’s cult success. Through Stormare, both he and Reeves advocate for a grounded, nuanced sequel, steeped in spiritual conflict and moral complexity, rather than a pivot toward generic blockbuster conventions.
Stormare’s observations underscore the delicate balance faced by the filmmakers as they attempt to meet commercial studio expectations without compromising the elements that endeared Constantine to decades of devoted fans.
Is Constantine 2 Still a Possibility?
Two decades have passed since audiences first met Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, and interest in a direct sequel remains high. Recent developments indicate that momentum is building behind Constantine 2, but final approval will only come once a script is produced that satisfies both creative and commercial considerations. Reeves’ involvement is critical; his investment in the character and firm vision for the project are both an asset and an obstacle to rapid progression.
Peter Stormare noted that if a sequel is to succeed, it must live up to the legacy of the original film and expand on its mythology in a way that honors long-time admirers.
“It’s a lot of back and forth, because… I think Keanu [Reeves], which I know pretty good, is not so happy with the scripts and usually what comes out of the studios… Because the first one wasn’t that successful in the beginning, it became a sleeper and became a cult movie, and now it is one of the biggest cult movies ever. But to do a sequel, the studios want to have, you know, cars flying in the air. They want to have people doing flip-flops and fighting action scenes.”
—Peter Stormare, Actor
The central issue, according to Stormare, is the risk of losing the heart of what made Constantine unique—its layered characters, spiritual undertones, and atmospheric approach. Maintaining this thematic thread is proving more challenging than responding to shifting industry trends or replicating blockbuster formulas. In referencing studio negotiations, Stormare added,
“You don’t have to add a lot of action and shootouts. You have other movies. Don’t turn it into big Marvel… [Don’t turn it] into us flying around in harnesses all the time and shooting each other up. Don’t bring in the big guns. Let it be.”
—Peter Stormare, Actor
In past comments from 2023, Reeves himself admitted uncertainty about the project, saying he
“[didn’t] know if it [was] going to happen.”
The situation has become more optimistic with recent approvals from DC Studios, but a viable script remains the missing link.
The Road Ahead for Constantine’s Return
The continued delay of Constantine 2 is a testament to the high standards set by those invested in the film’s legacy, especially Keanu Reeves and Peter Stormare. While the process of script rewrites and alignment with studio demands persists, the cast and key creative figures remain committed to pursuing a project that respects the cult status of the original.
If a script can be finalized that reflects Reeves’ spiritual vision and resonates with both longtime fans and new viewers, Constantine 2 may soon enter production, potentially reuniting favorites such as Tilda Swinton as Gabriel, Stormare as Lucifer, and Reeves in the iconic lead. With Francis Lawrence at the helm and DC Studios’ support, anticipation will only grow as audiences wait for further updates on the sequel’s fate.
Ultimately, the outcome of these negotiations will determine whether Constantine returns to the big screen in a form that satisfies creative ambitions and remains true to its roots, or risks becoming another action-driven franchise out-of-step with fans’ expectations.
