NBC has found their John Constantine for their television adaptation of the DC comic, and it's Matt Ryan. No, not "Matty Ice," the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. This Matt Ryan is a Welsh actor, probably best known for playing Mick Rawson in television's CRIMINAL MINDS: SUSPECT BEHAVIOR and for voicing Edward Kenway in the video game ASSASSIN'S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG. The actor has also appeared in several movies, such as LAYER CAKE, FLYPAPER, and MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY.
NBC's CONSTANTINE was written by Daniel Cerone (THE MENTALIST) from a story he developed with David S. Goyer, and last month we learned Neil Marshall (DOG SOLDIERS, THE DESCENT) will be directing the pilot.
"John Constantine is described as a working-class Londoner with rakish good looks, scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save her."
Although Matt Ryan's hair is scruffy, but not very blond, I'm fine with this casting decision. He should make a decent John Constantine, but like I've said a couple of times about this project, a lot is going to depend on how Goyer and Cerone handle the original source material for the adaptation.
But will there also be enough room on the small screen for another comic book adaptation? With ARROW and AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. already airing, and GOTHAM and FLASH in the works, the networks might get a little oversaturated with all of these comic book television series.
But for right now, let's deal with today's news: Matt Ryan is the new John Constantine. Think a different actor should play the character? Share your thoughts and opinions below in the Strikeback!