Director Francis Lawrence wants to make an R-Rated Constantine 2

Director Francis Lawrence, who made the fantasy-horror film Constantine in 2005, is reportedly planning to make the sequel an R-Rated film. Constantine stars Matrix fame, Keanu Reeves, as the chain-smoking sorcerer/exorcist who battles demons and ghosts from the underworld. The character is based on the DC comics of the same name.

Ever since Deadpool and James Mangold’s Logan became a box office success, there has been an increasing demand for R-Rated superhero films. With the Fox-Disney merger, there was some initial confusion about whether Disney would allow the Fox-owned Marvel superheroes to have R-Rated films and series. Marvel boss Kevin Feige later confirmed that the upcoming film Deadpool 3 will not be watered down on account of Disney’s production.

In a recent interview with Stephen Colbert, when asked what role from his past he would like to reprise, Keanu Reeves answered that he would love to come back as John Constantine. In September, it was officially confirmed that Warner Bros is developing a Constantine sequel with Reeves roped in to reprise his role. Akiva Goldsman, who wrote the original film, is back to pen the screenplay for the sequel. Goldsman is best known for writing critically acclaimed films like I Am Legend and A Beautiful Mind. 

Since the film is in the early stages of development, the makers are yet to announce the rest of the cast and release date.