Comic books have been a part of the Hollywood zeitgeist for decades. They are a staple in the box office continually making money for studios. Television studios are starting to wise up and are bringing comic books to the small screen. CW has had success with their show Arrow and is rumored to air a spin-off based on The Flash. ABC is home to Avengers’ spin-off Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D which has enjoyed some high ratings. Meanwhile, Fox is currently in development with their Batman prequel Gotham, which will showcase a young Jim Gordon. Not to be outdone, NBC made announcements last fall that it too will jump on the bandwagon and will be developing a TV series entitled Constantine, based on the supernatural detective, John Constantine.
Constantine is the creation of famed writer Alan Moore (V for Vendetta, Watchmen) and artists Stephen R. Bissete and John Totleben. Moore originally created Constantine as a supporting character during his run as a writer of The Saga of The Swamp Thing. John Constantine is a former con-man/magician who becomes a detective specializing in the occultThe character was such a hit that he was given his own comic Hellblazer.
For non-comic book fans, you may remember the 2005 film staring Keanu Reeves as the title character. Sadly, Keanu will not be returning to the role. Welsh actor Matt Ryan will be stepping into John Constantine’s tan trench coat for the NBC series. So far only the lead role has been cast but the show does have a director on board. Neil Marshall (Game of Thrones- Blackwater) has signed on to direct the pilot episode. No word yet on when production will begin, the show is still in its early stages.
