DC Studios Taps Francis Galluppi to Write New John Constantine Movie
DC Studios has brought in filmmaker Francis Galluppi to pen a fresh John Constantine film, though it is not the long-awaited Keanu Reeves sequel.
Published 5 November 2026
DC Studios Makes a Move
DC Studios has taken a significant step forward regarding its supernatural slate by hiring its very first key creative talent for an upcoming project. Rather than advancing the anticipated sequel that many supporters have hoped for, the studio is setting its sights in a different direction. This decision signals a fresh creative chapter for the iconic Hellblazer within the broader cinematic landscape.
The newly appointed writer will steer the narrative of this upcoming reboot, though the production itself remains in very early development. At this stage, no additional cast members or directors have been attached to the project, leaving the exact scope and timeline under wraps.
Writer Francis Galluppi Joins the Project
According to an exclusive report, DC Studios has selected Francis Galluppi to script the upcoming John Constantine feature film. Galluppi previously directed the feature film The Last Stop in Yuma County and also penned the upcoming movie Evil Dead Wrath.
Galluppi first gained widespread attention when his debut feature premiered to critical acclaim at Fantastic Fest. His work earned high praise from filmmaker Sam Raimi, who commended Galluppi's ability to maintain simmering tension and deliver explosive violence at precisely the right moments.
Origins of the Hellblazer Character
The character of John Constantine originally debuted in The Saga of the Swamp Thing #37 in the year 1985. The iconic comic book figure was created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben.
Within the lore, Constantine is depicted as a working-class British detective who specializes in magic, the occult, and intricate con artistry. Over the decades, the character has maintained a dedicated following through various comic book iterations and adaptations.
Past Screen Iterations
Before this new development, the occult detective had already been brought to live-action screens on multiple occasions. Most notably, Keanu Reeves played a version of the character in the 2005 Warner Bros. feature film Constantine.
In addition to the feature film, actor Matt Ryan portrayed the same character in a television series broadcast on NBC. That television iteration ran for a single season starting in 2014.
Status of the Keanu Reeves Sequel
Supporters of the 2005 film have long awaited a direct follow-up starring Keanu Reeves, but progress has faced hurdles. DC Studios co-head James Gunn addressed the status of the Reeves sequel during an interview in October 2025 with BobaTalks.
Gunn noted that he had discussed the project on and off with Keanu Reeves, though he confirmed he had not read any script despite claims from Reeves that a new draft existed.
Behind the Scenes of the Unmade Sequel
Keanu Reeves had previously confirmed that the creative team behind the 2005 movie was still pushing the sequel forward. Director Francis Lawrence and writer Akiva Goldsman planned to pitch the project to DC Studios as an Elseworlds title.
Lawrence pointed to frequent regime changes at Warner Bros. and DC Studios as the primary reason for long delays. Although the creative team reportedly received approval to draft a script earlier that year, and Reeves teased that the character would face even more torture in the same continuity, the reboot has now taken precedence.
News Overview
DC Studios has hired writer Francis Galluppi to script a new John Constantine movie, steering away from the long-discussed Keanu Reeves sequel. The character, created in 1985 by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben, was previously portrayed by Reeves in 2005 and Matt Ryan on television in 2014. While the Reeves sequel remains in limbo due to studio changes, Galluppi's new reboot is currently in early development.
Key facts
- The news was published on November 4, 2026.
- Francis Galluppi was hired to write a new John Constantine movie.
- Francis Galluppi directed The Last Stop in Yuma County and wrote Evil Dead Wrath.
- John Constantine first appeared in The Saga of the Swamp Thing #37 in 1985.
- Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben created John Constantine.
- Keanu Reeves played John Constantine in the 2005 Warner Bros. film.
- Matt Ryan portrayed John Constantine in an NBC series starting in 2014.
- James Gunn discussed the sequel status with BobaTalks in October 2025.
- Evil Dead Wrath will be released by Warner Bros. on April 7, 2028.