NBC’s ‘Constantine’ Conjures Matt Ryan as DC’s New Hellblazer!
Normally we'd expect Friday nights reserved for the likes of such run-off news as 'Space Jam 2,' but it seems NBC doesn't mind keeping its new 'Constantine' in the dark, so to speak. Welsh actor Matt Ryan has landed the title role in David Goyer's DC pilot for NBC, but what else have we learned about the demon fighting detective?
Via Deadline, 'Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior' star Ryan will play the enigmatic and irreverent con man turned supernatural detective John Constantine, a role previously brought to life (sort of) by Keanu Reeves in the film of the same name. Given Ryan's Welsh nationality and previous suggestions about the pilot, we'd expect Matt Ryan's John Constantine to retain the London accent eschewed by the Keanu Reeves incarnation.
Says Deadline of the new 'Constantine':
John Constantine is described as a working class Londoner with rakish good looks, scruffy blonde hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter of a late friend, is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save her.
Neil Marshall will helm the pilot episode of NBC’s ‘Constantine,’ which will be written and executive produced by ‘The Mentalist’ executive producer Daniel Cerone along with DC feature writer David S. Goyer. Marshall previously directed ‘The Descent,’ along with some of the more notable ‘Game of Thrones’ installments, namely “Blackwater” and the always-climactic ninth installment of the upcoming fourth season.
The original John Constantine first appeared in 1985, created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette and Jamie Delano, and was designed blond, British and with a chain-smoking appearance likened to Police frontman Sting. Still uncast are the roles of “Liv” and “Manny,” along with “Chas,” most likely that of Constantine’s comic sidekick and taxi driver Frank William “Chas” Chandler. Those with memory of Keanu Reeves‘ adaptation of the character will remember that Shia LaBeouf portrayed a reimagined Chas in the film, but thankfully, he isn't famous anymore.
Well, what do you think? Will NBC follow through on its 'Constantine' pilot, now that Matt Ryan will provide the most faithful adaptation yet? What would you want to see from a potential 'Constantine' series?