NBC’s Constantine finds new female lead in Angelica Celaya

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Last week we learned that "Constantine" actress Lucy Griffiths had exited the show after the series creators opted to move in a different direction, but the hunt for a new female lead is already over as THR is reporting that the DC comics adaptation has tapped Angelica Celaya to star as Zed, described as a character with 'a very dark past'.

Griffiths played the non-DC character Liv, an offbeat woman who finds herself teamed with Matt Ryan's John Constantine after she is marked for death by a powerful demon. THR explains that her exit will be explained in the second episode, which begins filming Tuesday. In further explaining the producers' sudden decision to change gears creatively after establishing Liv and John's relationship and backstory in the pilot, the writers "felt a bit hamstrung" by Liv, executive producer Daniel Cerone admitted, as they looked ahead.

Says Cerone of Zed…

"She's someone who can go toe-to-toe with John [Constantine], and that's ultimately something we felt like we needed We wanted a more dynamic relationship, as opposed to someone who is a teacher/mentor and a student. It just didn't feel as fertile and rich of an area as just a strong a man and a strong woman who are both very different."

As for the tone of the series, Cerone and fellow executive producer David Goyer maintained that "Constantine" is a "horror show," but will keep in line with the comic books by using a balance of comedic (in part due to John's "smart-ass" humor) and fun elements.

Constantine centers on master of the occult John Constantine (Matt Ryan), who struggles with his faith as he is haunted by the sins of his past and is suddenly thrust into the role of defending humanity from the gathering forces of darkness.

"Constantine" airs Fridays at 10p.m. starting October 24 on NBC.