Constantine (2005)
- Francis Lawrence originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
- The incredible score for Constantine was composed in just a few weeks after the original composer dropped out.
- Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a hidden easter egg referencing Francis Lawrence's previous film in the background of the opening scene.
Constantine is a 2005 American supernatural action horror film directed by Francis Lawrence, based on the DC Comics/Vertigo series Hellblazer. Keanu Reeves stars as John Constantine, a cynical, chain-smoking Los Angeles exorcist and occult detective who can literally see angels and demons walking among humans in their half-breed forms. Diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and aware that his suicide attempt as a teenager has condemned his soul to Hell, Constantine works to earn his way into Heaven by deporting demons back to their realm.
When a detective played by Rachel Weisz investigates her twin sister's apparent suicide and discovers it's connected to a plot to bring the son of Satan into the world, Constantine is drawn into a cosmic struggle between Heaven and Hell. Keanu Reeves's interpretation of Constantine was a significant departure from the comic's blond, British, trenchcoated antihero β Reeves played the character as a dark, world-weary American β which alienated comics purists but created a compelling standalone character. Tilda Swinton's androgynous archangel Gabriel and Peter Stormare's terrifying Satan were standout supporting performances.
Constantine earned $230 million worldwide on a $100 million budget and has been reassessed favorably in subsequent years, with many fans calling for a sequel that was eventually announced in 2022.
