Constantine Director Explains Why It’s Time for an R-Rated Sequel

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Summary

  • Fans can expect a long-awaited Constantine sequel with Keanu Reeves and Francis Lawrence diving deep into its R-rating.
  • Lawrence’s desire for an R-rated Constantine 2 stems from holding back mature aspects for a PG-13 rating in the original.
  • Despite no confirmed return of original stars, Constantine 2 is in active development, aiming to cater to the cult following.

As a cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt and a special place for superhero horror films in my heart, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement bubbling within me when I read about Constantine 2. The original film, released back in 2005, was one of those hidden gems that didn’t quite get the love it deserved at the time, but over the years, its cult following grew stronger and stronger. So to finally hear that Francis Lawrence is actively working on a sequel, with Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Constantine, has me grinning ear-to-ear.

If you were captivated by the 2005 movie, “Constantine,” a sequel is now being developed that fans have been eagerly anticipating. This new installment will once again feature Keanu Reeves in his iconic role and Francis Lawrence at the helm, aiming to deliver another dose of the beloved cult classic. Notably, Lawrence intends to fully embrace an R-rating for this sequel. Originally derived from the 1988 DC Comics series “Hellblazer,” created by Alan Moore and Stephen R. Bissette, “Constantine” follows the story of John Constantine (played by Reeves), a man who has cheated death and now dedicates his life to sending demons back to their own realm.

Back in 2005, when “Constantine” hit the big screen, it sparked a passionate response, not always positive, from audiences and critics alike. The film deviated significantly from its comic book roots, which left some fans disappointed and resulted in a moderate 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, despite these initial setbacks, the supernatural thriller managed to cultivate a dedicated fanbase.

Constantine Director Promises R-rated Sequel

Over the past two decades, Francis Lawrence, director of films such as “The Hunger Games,” “I Am Legend,” and “Water for Elephants,” has expressed his desire to create a sequel to his movie “Constantine.” Recently, he arranged a meeting on the film’s 15th anniversary, leading to the development of a script. Lawrence also mentioned the dedicated fan base that the original film has cultivated over time, calling it both thrilling and peculiar, but feels the moment is ripe for this classic to reconnect with its audience once more.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, let me share my insights on an exciting project that’s been reawakened after a long hiatus. Around our 15th anniversary, we gathered over Zoom to brainstorm about reviving this cherished creation. We found ourselves more engaged than ever and managed to leap over various obstacles. Now, I’m thrilled to announce that we are actively working on a fresh script! It’s not just about capitalizing on the world’s readiness; our love for this project has always been there. Over time, it has grown into a cult classic, which is both exhilarating and peculiar. But rest assured, it’s something we’ve always held dear.

As a dedicated cinephile, I recall the intriguing release of “Constantine” back in the day. Initially, the film was slated for a PG-13 rating, following director Francis Lawrence’s adherence to all the rules associated with that classification. This meant certain mature elements were toned down during production.

In the upcoming sequel to Constantine, it’s unclear if stars like Rachel Weisz, Djimon Hounsou, Tilda Swinton, Shia LaBeuf, Peter Stormare, and Gavin Rossdale will reprise their roles, as only Keanu Reeves has been confirmed. Production on Constantine 2 is in progress, but a release or production start date has yet to be announced. Fans can celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original film’s theatrical release by watching it in stunning 4K Blu-ray quality.

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2024-12-20 16:24