Francis Lawrence finally confirms Constantine 2 after 20 years

# **Lawrence Hopes Constantine 2 Will Rise After DC Studio Exit** When the lights dimmed on *Constantine* in 2021, fans and creators alike felt the echo of a promise unfulfilled.

A supernatural thriller that drew from the gritty spirit of the Hellblazer comics, the film was destined to launch a franchise that never quite found its footing.

Now, with the sudden departure of James Gunn and Peter Safran from DC Studios, director Francis Lawrence says the long‑awaited sequel may finally get the green light it has chased for two decades.

Lawrence, who helmed the original picture, first revealed in a recent Collider interview that a finished script sits on the table and that he’s eager to discuss the project with whoever is steering the studio next.

“We’ve been trying to make Constantine 2 for 20‑something years,” he explained, “and we have an idea, and we have a script, and we’ve been wanting to make it.” His tone carries the weight of years of frustration and a glimmer of relief that the last major roadblock may have vanished.

For the past twenty years, the film’s fate has hinged on shifting corporate priorities, shifting budgets, and an ever‑changing roster of studio executives. With each transition, the promise of a sequel slipped further into the realm of a “what‑if” scenario.

The recent exit of Gunn and Safran could finally open a new chapter, offering the project a fresh start under a potentially more sympathetic leadership that might appreciate the franchise’s cult appeal. ## Background & Context *Constantine* debuted as a dark, moody adaptation of the Vertigo comic series that follows the chain‑smoking, cynical occult detective John Constantine.

The film was marketed as the kickoff for a franchise built on supernatural intrigue, but it struggled to find a home in the crowded superhero marketplace. The 2021 release was followed by a series of stalled announcements, industry rumors, and a growing frustration among cast and crew.

Director Francis Lawrence has been a consistent voice in the saga of the sequel. In 2023, he publicly recounted the obstacles that plagued the project, .

“We had to jump through a bunch of hurdles to get control of the character again, because other people had control of the Vertigo stuff,” he said, noting that the team had eventually regained full rights. Those same rights, however, did not translate into a production slate until now.

The narrative of *Constantine* itself remains faithful to its comic roots. The screenplay, penned by Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello with a story by Brodbin, captures the grim humor and moral ambiguity that defined the original material.

In 2025, Keanu Reeves, who portrayed the title character, hinted at a treatment for the sequel, revealing that the creative team had recently drafted a story and pitched it to DC Studios. That pitch, however, stalled when the studio’s leadership changed direction.

With the recent shakeup at DC Studios, there is renewed speculation that the studio may finally give the project the green light it has awaited for over twenty years.

Lawrence’s comment that the “impediment” has been lifted offers a glimmer of hope that the franchise could return to the screen. ## What People Are Saying When Lawrence expressed his optimism, he emphasized that the project was not a matter of personal ambition but a shared vision.

“We all want to do it,” he said, acknowledging that Keanu Reeves and co‑writer Akiva Goldsman are as committed as ever. The director also noted that James Gunn, who had been involved in preliminary discussions, had yet to read a script, indicating a cautious approach from the studio’s side.

James Gunn himself, speaking on the BobaTalks podcast, mentioned the sequel in passing, saying he had “discussed it on and off” and had conversed with Reeves, but had not yet reviewed any material.

This suggests that while interest remains high among key creative figures, the studio has yet to formalize any concrete plans. Reeves, in a separate interview, expressed enthusiasm for the new pitch.

He said, “We’ve been trying to make this film for over a decade, and we just recently put a story together and pitched it to DC Studios and they said, ‘OK.’ So we’re going to try and write a script.” That statement underlines the collaborative momentum that has been building around the project, even as the studio’s internal dynamics shift.

The film’s fanbase, too, has taken to social media to echo the hope that a new production window could finally bring the supernatural detective back to the big screen.

Fans have shared their favorite moments from the original and speculated about what a sequel could entail, from a deeper exploration of the character’s past to a darker, more sophisticated aesthetic that Lawrence could bring to the table. ## What Happens Next With a completed script in hand, Francis Lawrence is poised to engage with the new leadership at DC Studios.

He stated that he would like to “talk to the new leadership about moving forward with the project.” The director clarified that the key to turning the project into a reality lies with “Paramount, Warner, whoever’s running DC now.” He believes that once the executive team is on board, the project could proceed, provided the creative team and the studio align on budget, casting, and release strategy.

Lawrence’s optimism, however, is tempered by the awareness that any new studio will bring its own priorities.

The director cautions against assuming a smooth transition, noting that the previous leadership’s obstacles—be they budget constraints, scheduling conflicts, or strategic misalignments—could reappear in a different form.

Nonetheless, the removal of Gunn and Safran is perceived as a potential catalyst for change, giving the project a chance to finally break through the maze of corporate red tape that has hindered it for years.

The next step for the *Constantine* franchise will likely involve a formal pitch meeting, where the team will present the script and propose a production timeline. If the studio sees commercial viability, they will move to secure financing and start assembling a cast.

A re‑cast of the lead role could also be on the horizon, though Keanu Reeves’s involvement remains uncertain. The decision will hinge on whether the studio wants to maintain continuity with the original or cast a new actor to appeal to a broader audience.

Meanwhile, fans will keep a close eye on any official announcements. The buzz that has erupted in the wake of the studio shakeup has generated a wave of anticipation that could culminate in a formal green light within the next few months.

Should the project be approved, the franchise will finally have the chance to expand its mythos, offering a new chapter for John Constantine and potentially redefining how darker supernatural stories fit within the modern superhero landscape.

The possibility of a *Constantine 2* has finally shifted from a long‑held dream to a tangible prospect. As the studio’s new leadership evaluates the potential, the industry and its audiences are watching closely, eager to see whether this time, the supernatural detective will return to the silver screen.