Cast This: John Constantine

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Time to take a trip into the occult with John Constantine.

The first time we saw the character come to life was 2005’s CONSTANTINE directed by Francis Lawrence with Keanu Reeves in the leading role. That was only a half-assed version. As many fans could see, there were several changes made. The source material was based on both Garth Ennis’ “Dangerous Habits” and “Hellblazer: Original Sins” by Jamie Delano. The movie was okay. I’ve seen it a couple of times. As much as I love Reeves, I would like to have seen the British Constantine complete with brown trench coat.

Right now, the only version of the character we have is Reeves. This is soon to change since NBC has decided to give Constantine his own series. David S. Goyer will write and produce the series along with Daniel Cerone (THE MENTALIST). For some of you there are already two problems: 1. NBC 2. David S. Goyer. Unfortunately, those details are not negotiable. I agree that NBC isn’t the best place to put something like this. It might get a decent actor for the role but that’s it, which brings us to the question at hand: who would be ideal to play Constantine?

I’m going to start with suggestions that were already mentioned: James Marsters, Michael Fassbender, and Rhys Ifans. Can I throw Ryan Kwanten and Jonny Lee Miller out there? This all depends on which timeline we are following. In the recent DC version, the character is much younger, but throughout Vertigo’s Hellblazer run he was aging in real time. I’m thinking they will definitely want him younger. Regardless, we still need someone who is witty, dangerous, disillusioned, and I’d say foul-mouthed but NBC won’t be having too much of that. It wouldn’t hurt if the actor looked like the singer Sting since that was who they based the character’s appearance off of.

I’m sure you guys have some great suggestions, so let’s get to casting John Constantine!

RESULTS FROM PREVIOUS ‘CAST THIS’: Who should direct Star Trek 3?

I did not expect Brad Bird to be the number one pick here. I guess that he’s overdue to direct something, so why not him? But many of you said that he was the “obvious” choice, and I’m wondering why that’s so obvious. Rian Johnson landed in second, and right now I’m giving you all internet high fives for that. Third and final choice is one that was endorsed by J.J. Abrams— Rupert Wyatt. What’s funny is that IMDB lists him as the director claiming it was “announced” but nothing has been announced. In fact, no one has been turned down for, or offered the job. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.