HBO Max's Constantine series focused on the warlock and occult detective John Constantine is reportedly hoping to begin production in early 2023. The character was introduced in 1985 in Alan Moore's Swamp Thing comic book series as an advisor and ally to the titular character. The character has previously been portrayed by Keanu Reeves, Matt Ryan, and Jenna Coleman in both film and television.
Created by Moore, Stephen R. Bissette, Rick Veitch, and John Totleben and introduced in the "American Gothic" storyline in Swamp Thing #37, John Constantine is a Liverpudlian working-class warlock, con-man, and detective for hire who's cynical and cunning side hides a good heart. The Sting-inspired DC hero has been brought to screen multiple times, with Reeves portraying the character in Francis Lawrence's 2005 movie, followed by Matt Ryan in 2014, who portrayed the character across multiple Arrowverse series and animated DC Comics projects. While legal issues prevented John Constantine from appearing in The Sandman, Coleman portrayed a character named Johanna Constantine who adapted and retained the character's personality and role in the Netflix series. A J.J. Abrams-produced series focused on Constantine was reported to be in development as part of a 2019 deal with the director, and despite recent shake-ups, the show has received a promising update.
As part of a larger Variety article focused on the uncertain situation surrounding the newly merged Warner Bros. Discovery and their handling of the DC franchise, a potential production start was given for the HBO Max Constantine series. According to the article, Constantine is currently eyeing an early 2023 production start, with hopes to begin shooting that year. It was also reported that producers on the upcoming series had already scouted out locations where they hoped to film.
Constantine's potential start is a welcome update following confirmation that Constantine's production will go ahead amidst much unpredictability amongst DC's previously announced projects. Following the sudden cancellation of the release of HBO Max's Batgirl movie, it was reported that Warner Bros. Discovery's leadership was hoping to reorganize the studios' efforts, focusing on theatrical releases that closely emulate Marvel's interconnected cinematic universe. With DC having placed greater emphasis on varied projects across streaming that focused on individual stories rather than interconnected franchise storytelling, many fans had been concerned about whether projects such as Constantine would go ahead, especially as the corporation aimed to reorganize its services and output as a whole.
While HBO Max's Constantine had already been confirmed to be going ahead, confirmation that the show was eyeing an early 2023 production is sure to provide an extra layer of relief to previously concerned fans. Though Batgirl's cancellation late into the film's production may have fans wary that things may still be scrapped even late into the show's production, news of the potential shooting start as well as confirmation that location scouting has been started shows that significant work has begun on the series. With things looking hopeful for HBO Max's Constantine, fans are sure to be looking forward to who may be the next person to take on the role of DC's cynical sorcerer for hire.
Source: Variety
