Constantine 2 Update: Director Promises ‘Real R-Rated’ Sequel

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As a gamer who’s been around for quite some time, I can tell you that the return of Constantine is like a long-awaited quest in a video game – one that I didn’t even know I needed until it was announced! The original movie, despite its initial reception, has grown into a beloved classic, much like an old RPG that gets rediscovered and appreciated years after release.

Previously, talks about Constantine 2 had taken place, but it wasn’t until more recently that a sequel to the 2005 horror film was officially confirmed, with both Keanu Reeves and director Francis Lawrence teaming up again for the project. As of now, the start date for production remains undisclosed; however, the director has hinted at a “genuinely R-rated” sequel in the works.

Initially receiving a blend of positive and negative feedback at its premiere, Constantine later gained recognition as a cult favorite some years down the line. Keanu Reeves played the role of the skeptical exorcist John Constantine, who possesses the unique talent to navigate between Earth and Hell.

To mark its 20th anniversary, the superhero thriller will be released for the first time in 4K format on February 18, 2025 – this was Lawrence’s initial feature-length directorial project. After that, the director garnered acclaim by directing several movies like I Am Legend and four installments of The Hunger Games series.

What did Francis Lawrence say about the planned Constantine sequel?

Ever since the director’s initial film hit theaters in 2005, the idea of creating a sequel to Constantine has lingered in his thoughts, as he’s continuously progressed and grown in his directing career since then.

In my opinion, among all the films I’ve made, Constantine seems to be the one that truly deserved a follow-up. It offers an intriguing world to delve into, and the character was someone we as a team were deeply invested in and wanted to further develop. (Lawrence said this to ComicBook)

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that when our interpretation of Constantine initially hit screens, it wasn’t an instant “Wow, the world is adoring our take on him.” Instead, there was a wave of criticism, especially regarding the fact that we didn’t follow the blonde, British version of the character and some felt Keanu wasn’t the right fit. However, I believe the overall opinion has significantly shifted over time, but from the start, we were deeply invested in the world and always yearned for a sequel.

Now that the PG-13 restriction is no longer a concern, Lawrence said: “We had been contemplating this idea. In fact, we initially received an R rating for what was essentially a PG-13 film, as we strictly followed the PG-13 guidelines. So, we thought, ‘Why not go ahead and create a sequel, let’s make an authentic R-rated movie.’ So, here it is: ‘Give us an R, let’s make a true R-rated movie.’

Additionally, Constantine features actresses like Rachel Weisz and Tilda Swinton, as well as Shia LaBeouf. Further information regarding the upcoming Constantine sequel is being kept confidential.

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2024-12-18 22:40