Constantine Director Welcomes James Gunn’s Departure

Francis Lawrence, director of the 2005 film “Constantine,” believes the long-awaited sequel may finally have a chance of entering production. In an interview with Collider, he said the departure of James Gunn and Peter Safran from their leadership roles at DC Studios had given him renewed hope. According to Lawrence, the studio’s former leadership had long stood in the way of the project.

The sequel already has a script and a clear creative direction. Keanu Reeves is ready to return as John Constantine, while screenwriter Akiva Goldsman is also on board. J.J. Abrams remains attached as a producer.

Lawrence said he wants the follow-up to be considerably darker than the original and to carry an R rating. The first “Constantine” was made with a PG-13 rating in mind but ultimately received an R, a decision that still frustrates the director. This time, he intends to hold nothing back and make a full-fledged horror film.

DC Studios recently began developing a separate Constantine film, with Francis Galluppi set to write the screenplay. Lawrence believes the new interpretation of the character can coexist with a continuation of Reeves’ story.

Source: Film.ru