If you’ve been holding out hope for Constantine 2, you might want to keep those prayers going, because things behind the scenes aren’t exactly smooth sailing. According to Peter Stormare, you might remember him as the delightfully eerie Lucifer from the 2005 original, Keanu Reeves isn’t thrilled with the current script. He’s reportedly “not so happy” with the way things are shaping up, primarily due to creative differences with the studio.
Keanu Reeves Wants Soul, Not Spectacle
Here’s the core of the issue: Keanu Reeves is pushing for a sequel that feels like a sequel. One that carries forward the gritty, soul-searching vibe of the first film. Meanwhile, the studio seems more interested in cranking out another high-octane, CGI-laden superhero flick. It’s not that Keanu Reeves against action; this is the guy behind John Wick, after all.
He seems to believe Constantine deserves a different kind of storytelling, more spiritual conflict, fewer buildings blowing up.“He doesn’t want cars flying through the air or constant explosions. That’s not who Constantine is,” Stormare said in a recent interview. And he’s not wrong.
A Cult Favorite That Still Hits Different
The original Constantine wasn’t just another comic book movie. It was dark, weird, and heavy in the best ways, more noir thriller than superhero spectacle. Set in a world where angels and demons walk among us, it gave us a haunted, chain-smoking exorcist with one foot in Hell and the other barely clinging to hope. Reeves’ portrayal of John Constantine wasn’t flashy. It was bruised, cynical, and quietly heartbreaking. Fans didn’t love it for the special effects. They loved it because it meant something.
Studio vs. Soul: The Current Standoff
And that’s exactly why Reeves is reportedly pushing back. He wants the sequel to feel grounded. Emotional. Maybe even a little uncomfortable. But the studio? They’re reportedly leaning toward a Marvel-style approach, more explosions, more spectacle, more “wow” moments.
Although DC Studios initially gave the project the green light, it has been stuck in development purgatory. Sources say Reeves’ dissatisfaction with the script is one of the reasons the project hasn’t moved forward. It’s not that anyone’s trying to tank the film. Everyone involved seems to want Constantine 2 to happen. The problem is agreeing on how.
Character First, Chaos Later
Fans of the Hellblazer comics, the gritty source material behind the film, will probably find themselves siding with Keanu on this one. The comics were never about explosions or flying fists. They were messy, morally complex, and deeply spiritual—more smoke and mirrors than capes and cowls.
Stormare mentioned that Reeves is “proud of the original character” and wants to protect that legacy. Let’s be honest: in an era of interchangeable superhero movies, that kind of care is refreshing.“Keanu cares about the story,” Stormare said. “He wants it to mean something.” That’s the kind of sentiment you don’t hear every day from Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Is There Still Hope?
Actually, yeah, maybe. DC Studios is undergoing a major shake-up, with new priorities and a focus on fan-favorite properties. If Reeves can get the creative team to align with his vision —something that blends emotional depth with just enough action to keep the popcorn crowd happy —we might finally see Constantine 2 rise from the ashes. Until then, it’s a waiting game. The good news? Reeves is clearly invested in getting it right, not just getting it done.
Final Take
Look, flashy action scenes can be fun, but Constantine was never about the fireworks. It was about the weight of the soul, the price of redemption, and the blurry line between salvation and damnation. If Keanu Reeves can hold the line and get the sequel to honor that legacy, fans are in for something special. And honestly? In a world of cookie-cutter blockbusters, that sounds like exactly the kind of hell we’re willing to go through.
