Lawrence Sees New Hope for Keanu Reeves’ Constantine Sequel

Director Francis Lawrence said he is more hopeful that a sequel to the 2005 film “Constantine,” starring Keanu Reeves, could move forward following James Gunn and Peter Safran’s departure from DC Studios. Lawrence said the team has an idea and a script, but his renewed optimism does not amount to studio approval or a production commitment.

In an interview, Lawrence said those previously running DC had been an impediment to the project, which he said the filmmakers had tried to make for more than 20 years. He described the leadership change as creating a possible new opportunity, while stressing that obstacles had repeatedly delayed the sequel. His account of the earlier leadership’s role reflects his assessment; the former executives’ response was not included in the reports.

Lawrence said he, Reeves, producer Akiva Goldsman and J.J. Abrams all want to make the film. He said the project would need the people now running DC, as well as relevant partners at Paramount and Warner, to get on board. The available reporting does not establish whether the incoming leadership has reviewed or accepted the script.

The director also said a sequel to the Reeves-led film could coexist with a...