The new John Constantine has been found. And this time, he’s Welsh.
Matt Ryan has been cast as the title character in NBC’s “Constantine,” which follows the con artist/supernatural investigator as he takes on the forces of darkness. Keanu Reeves portrayed Constantine in the 2005 film adaptation directed by Francis Lawrence. But unlike Reeves’ interpretation, Ryan’s Constantine will hail from London instead of Los Angeles.
Ryan is best known for costarring in “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior” as Mick Rawson, a character he originated on “Criminal Minds.” He has also appeared in “The Tudors,” “Torchwood” and Layer Cake.
John Constantine first appeared in the pages of Swamp Thing back in 1985, courtesy of Alan Moore, Steve Bissette and Jamie Delano. Constantine was eventually given his own comic book series, “Hellblazer;” which ran for 300 issues before DC’s recent New 52 reboot.
The new “Constantine” TV pilot finds Constantine protecting the daughter of his late friend when she is targeted by demons. Daniel Cerone (“The Mentalist”) and David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight trilogy) wrote the “Constantine” pilot, with Neil Jordan (“Game of Thrones”) slated to direct.
If “Constantine” and “The Flash” go to series, there will be four live action DC comics adaptations simultaneously on television, alongside Fox’s “Gotham” and The CW’s “Arrow.” “Hourman” and “iZombie” are also in contention at The CW; which could potentially push the total number of DC shows to six.
