While DC seem unable to compete with Marvel on the big screen, they continue to assert their dominance in the world of television with Arrow and upcoming adaptations Gotham, iZombie, The Flash and Constantine. The latter will air on NBC, and it has now been revealed that the role of John Constantine will be filled by Welsh actor Matt Ryan. Keanu Reeves previously played the character in the 2005 movie.
Ryan has appeared in Criminal Minds, Vikings and Layer Cake, but is perhaps best known for providing the voice and movements of Edward Kenway in Ubisoft’s hit video game, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Constantine centers on master of the occult John Constantine, a man 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.
John is described as a working-class Londoner with deadpan humor who is a mysterious conman and occult detective haunted by the recent loss of a young girl’s soul. No stranger to the dark underworld that exists parallel to our own, Constantine has been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. He’s taught himself spells, rituals, curses and conjuring, but the one person he most wishes to see — his mother, who died giving birth to him — remains out of reach, at least so far. When Liv, the daughter of a late friend, is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save her and the two form an alliance.
Dexter and The Mentalist scribe Daniel Cerone has written the script, while Man of Steel’s David Goyer is attached to executive produce. Neill Marshall (Game of Thrones, The Descent) will direct the pilot.
