In 2015, NBC ended its supernatural thriller Constantine after only 13 episodes. starring Matt Ryan as the titular occult magician, the series failed to secure a second season on the network.
The Neo-Noir Connection Between Constantine, Angel, and Lucifer
The series occupied a specific niche in the urban fantasy landscape, leaning heavily into a moody, detective-driven aesthetic. As the report highlights, Constantine shared a narrative DNA with other supernatural investigation shows like Angel, starring David Boreanaz, and Lucifer, featuring Tom Ellis. These programs moved away from the high fantasy tropes seen in The Witcher or Shadow and Bone, opting instead for a cynical, hard-boiled tone.
All three shows—Constantine, Angel, and Lucifer—rely on morally gray protagonists who use questionable tactics to navigate their worlds. While Constantine and Angel are characterized by a darker, brooder atmosphere , Lucifer offers a snarkier take on the same genre.. This intersection of fantasy lore and neo-noir storytelling remains a distinct subgenre that seeks to explore themes of redemption through a gritty lens.
Matt Ryan’s Definitive Take on the DC Vertigo Character
Matt Ryan is widely viewed as the definitive John Constantine, despite Keanu Reeves having previously portrayed the character in a 2005 film. According to the source, Ryan became virtually synonymous with the DC Vertigo character through his specific costume,mannerisms, and personality. His portrayal captured the essence of the master occult magician in a way that resonated with the source material.
The production of the NBC series was reportedly gaining momentum toward the end of its first season .. The source suggests that the show had significant potential to thrive had it been granted a second season, making the network's decision to cancel the series particularly disappointing for fans of the character's development.
From NBC Cancellation to the Legends of Tomorrow Era
Following the NBC cancellation, the character found a second life within the Arrowverse. By integrating Matt Ryan into Legends of Tomorrow, producers were able to maintain much of the established lore and keep the character's history intact. This transition even allowed for the inclusion of specific character beats, such as the aggressive lung cancer storyline from the Hellblazer: Dangerous Habits arc.
This move effectively saved the character from obscurity, ensuring that the work done during the initial 13-episode run was not entirely lost. The Arrowverse provided a stable platform for the character to continue his journey, even if the setting and tone shifted away from the original standalone series.
Did the Arrowverse Dilute the Gritty Essence of John Constantine?
The transition to the Arrowverse necessitated certain changes to the character's presentation and personality. The report observes that the character underwent a visual "polishing," resulting in a cleaner trench coat and lighter blonde hair to better match the broader Arrowverse aesthetic. Furthermore, the character's fundamental nature shifted from a solitary loner to a member of a group dynamic, and his use of magic became more frequent.
While the character was successfully preserved, the source does not provide the perspective of the network or the audience regarding these specific changes. It remains an open question whether the gritty, isolated atmosphere of the original NBC series was sacrificed to ensure the character could fit into a larger,more cohesive superhero franchise.
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