HBO Max’s upcomingConstantineseries is reportedly searching for a new actor to play DC’s Hellblazer.PerIlluminerdi,the rebootedConstantineTV series is being developed by J.J. Abrams and is aiming to cast a BIPOC actor in their late 20s for the titular role.
Matt Ryan most recently played the chain-smoking anti-hero inThe CW’sArrowandLegends of Tomorrow. He previously led a short-livedConstantinespin-off series on NBC between 2014 and 2015. Keanu Reeves most notably played the character on the big screen in Francis Lawrence’s 2005 film. Reeves’Constantinewas considered a moderate success, grossing $230.88 million worldwide on a $100 million budget.
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Iconic writer Alan Moore first introducedthe character of John Constantinein the 1985 comicSwamp Thing. Three years later, the character was given his own comic book title,Hellblazer. In the comics, the character was an alcoholic detective who solved mystical and supernatural crimes. He has been a long-time member ofJustice League Dark, the alternate branch of theJustice League. Its members include Deadman, Madame Xanadu, Shade, the Changing Man, and Zatanna.
Up-and-coming screenwriter Guy Bolton was hired to write theConstantineseries for HBO Max. It will focus less on religion and more on the horror elements from the comics. According to reports, the production team is seeking to cast an actor in the lead role who resemblesa young Riz Ahmed(Venom).
Constantinefollows several DC-related series that are in the works at HBO Max. Last year, the streaming platform green-lit aThe Batmanprequel,Green Lantern, and aPeacemakerseries, as well as aJustice League Darkshow from J.J. Abrams. Meanwhile, James Gunn’sThe Suicide Squadwill be available on HBO Max and in theatres starting August 02, 2025.
The original live-actionConstantinefeature film celebrated its 15th anniversaryin 2020, an occasion that wasn’t missed by Reeves. The actor joined director Lawrence and producer Akiva Goldsman in a virtual panel at 2020’s Comic-Con at Home event, where they recounted their experience working on the film and the history of the character in the comics.
