HBO Max’s upcoming Constantine series is reportedly searching for a new actor to play DC’s Hellblazer. Per Illuminerdi, the rebooted Constantine TV series is being developed by J.J. Abrams and is aiming to cast a BIPOC actor in their late 20s for the titular role.

Matt Ryan most recently played the chain-smoking anti-hero in The CW’s Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow. He previously led a short-lived Constantine spin-off series on NBC between 2014 and 2015. Keanu Reeves most notably played the character on the big screen in Francis Lawrence’s 2005 film. Reeves’ Constantine was considered a moderate success, grossing $230.88 million worldwide on a $100 million budget.

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Iconic writer Alan Moore first introduced the character of John Constantine in the 1985 comic Swamp Thing. Three years later, the character was given his own comic book title, Hellblazer. In the comics, the character was an alcoholic detective who solved mystical and supernatural crimes. He has been a long-time member of Justice League Dark, the alternate branch of the Justice League. Its members include Deadman, Madame Xanadu, Shade, the Changing Man, and Zatanna.

Up-and-coming screenwriter Guy Bolton was hired to write the Constantine series for HBO Max. It will focus less on religion and more on the horror elements from the comics. According to reports, the production team is seeking to cast an actor in the lead role who resembles a young Riz Ahmed (Venom).

Constantine follows several DC-related series that are in the works at HBO Max. Last year, the streaming platform green-lit a The Batman prequel, Green Lantern, and a Peacemaker series, as well as a Justice League Dark show from J.J. Abrams. Meanwhile, James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad will be available on HBO Max and in theatres starting August 6, 2021.

The original live-action Constantine feature film celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2020, an occasion that wasn't missed by Reeves. The actor joined director Lawrence and producer Akiva Goldsman in a virtual panel at 2020's Comic-Con at Home event, where they recounted their experience working on the film and the history of the character in the comics.

Constantine (2005) is now available on Netflix.

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Source: Illuminerdi