Keanu Reeves unhappy with Constantine 2 Marvel-style scripts has stirred concern among fans as the studios work to transform the long-awaited sequel into a blockbuster reminiscent of major superhero franchises. The actor’s dissatisfaction with the current script versions has become apparent, highlighting creative tensions regarding the direction of the film.
Fans of the original cult favorite have been anticipating news on Constantine 2 for years, but a recent interview with Peter Stormare hints at ongoing delays. Stormare, known for playing Lucifer in the original 2005 film and returning for the sequel, revealed,
“[There’s] a lot of back and forth, because… I think Keanu [Reeves] is not so happy with the scripts,”
—Peter Stormare, Actor.
Studios Aim for Spectacle While Reeves Wants Authenticity
The push for a Marvel-inspired sequel appears to be at the heart of the dispute. Studios are seeking to incorporate more grandiose action and special effects.
“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… 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.
Stormare suggested that after years of performing elaborate stunts in the John Wick series and its spin-off Ballerina, Reeves is uninterested in starring in another action-heavy spectacle.
“’This movie is spiritual. It’s about demons and regular people, and I wanted to keep it that way’ he recalled Reeves saying.”
—Peter Stormare, Actor. According to Stormare, Reeves is advocating for a sequel that stays true to the atmosphere and story of the 2005 original.
Cult Status of the Original and the Cast’s Hopes for the Sequel
The original Constantine, directed by Francis Lawrence, built a devoted following over the years despite initial lukewarm reception. Francis Lawrence is expected to return to helm the new sequel. The film starred Tilda Swinton as the archangel Gabriel and Rachel Weisz alongside Reeves. The plot followed John Constantine, a cynical demonologist, as he aided a policewoman in uncovering the supernatural circumstances behind her sister’s death.
Stormare remains hopeful that the sequel’s success will rely on the same unique qualities that made the first film a cult phenomenon.
“It took a long time for [the original] to become a cult movie. It really worked, and it will work on the audience again,”
—Peter Stormare, Actor. He continued,
“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.
The Future of Constantine 2 Remains Uncertain
As discussions continue, it’s clear that Keanu Reeves, along with cast members like Peter Stormare, are strongly advocating to maintain the spiritual depth and supernatural storytelling that earned the original film its legendary status. Studios, on the other hand, appear focused on blockbuster action elements influenced by Marvel Studios and modern superhero trends. The ultimate fate of Constantine 2 now seems to rest on whether filmmakers and studios can strike a balance that honors the desires of the original’s core audience while meeting modern commercial expectations.
