John Constantine made his way into our hearts thanks to the outstanding representation of two amazing actors – Keanu Reeves and Matt Ryan. Reeves played Constantine in the first movie opposite Rachel Weisz as Angela Dodson, overcoming the threat of evil reigning over the mortal realm. Matt Ryan played Constantine in the NBC series and later appeared in the Arrowverse. In September 2022, we learn that the Constantine movie is getting a sequel with Keanu Reeves returning to play the titular character. We still don’t know when the movie is coming out, but it helped many questions about the fandom resurface, like who is the better Constantine? Read on to find out.
Keanu Reeves Made Constantine Into His Own
When Keanu Reeves played John Constantine in the original 2005 movie, he had a unique take on the Hellblazer. Other than the suit, the tie, and his commitment to smoking himself to death, Reeves’ Constantine shared no visual similarities to the comic book character. Reeves’ Constantine was also brunette and very American, in contrast to the blonde British version that Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette, John Totleben, and Rick Veitch envisioned. Reeves may look different from the comic book Constantine, but his portrayal of the character’s disposition and abilities were more in point. Reeves’ Constantine was still as cynical and angry with God as in the comic books, and he used more tools and was more of a con man, hardly using magic and mysticism.
Matt Ryan’s Constantine is the Classic Constantine
Matt Ryan first appeared as Constantine in NBC’s Constantine before becoming a part of the Arrowverse. Ryan’s Constantine was visually closer to the original character, as a British man with blonde hair and a brown trench coat. Out of the two versions of Constantine, Ryan used more magical abilities and was also the one who was able to emphasize his pansexuality, being far more faithful to the source material. His portrayal of Constantine also had more potential for crossovers.
Who is the Better Constantine?
All things considered, it looks like it’s a tie – Keanu Reeves and Matt Ryan each bring a different flavor to the character. Ryan’s sarcastic Constantine appeals more to fans of the original comic book, and Reeves’ Constantine has also slowly built a solid and loyal following through the years since the movie’s premiere.
Bonus: Johanna Constantine
Keanu Reeves and Matt Ryan are not the only Constantine in town. In the 2022 Netflix series, Sandman, Jenna Coleman played a female version of Constantine. She had dark locks, a beautiful British accent, and the same pansexual issues that the comic book Constantine had and appears to be in a league of her own.
Fans have been clamoring for a new Constantine TV series or movie for years, and in 2022, it seems their prayers have been answered when Warner Bros. confirmed that Constantine 2 is in the works. Keanu Reeves is returning to play the iconic John Constantine, and we can hardly wait to finally see the sequel we’ve been praying for.
