First Official CONSTANTINE Image Nails The Character’s Look

Sorry, Keanu Reeves. Whatever remaining hold you may have still had on John Constantine has effectively been taken by actor Matt Ryan. NBC has released the first official image of Ryan as Constantine for the upcoming pilot, and the appearance is spot-on. This is one of the best examples of making the actor look like the character had been snatched from the comic book pages and dropped into the real world. Take a look.

Executive producer David S. Goyer released a statement with the image expressing his admiration at the authentic look.

I’ve been a fan of John Constantine since he was first introduced in 1985. This Constantine, envisioned by Neil Marshall and embodied by Matt Ryan, looks like he sprang directly from the comics’ covers. Fans old and new are going to be in for a treat.

The picture comes a day after an unofficial picture was leaked of the crew and Ryan in his Constantine garments. Even though it lacks the promotional flair of the official image, you could still tell that this man is THE John Constantine.

Despite the smoky background in the picture, Goyer admitted that the production team is still negotiating with NBC on whether or not Constantine will sport his trademark cigarette. Accompanying the picture was an official description of the show from NBC.

“Constantine” follows enigmatic and irreverent Liverpool con-man-turned-occult-detective John Constantine, who is reluctantly thrust into the role of defending our world against dark forces from beyond.

In addition to Ryan as Constantine, the regular cast will consist of Lucy Griffiths as Liv, Harold Perrineau as the angel Manny and Charles Halford as Chas. Goyer stated in a recent interview with I Am Rogue (via IGN) that a character from the comic books may be brought in for a recurring role.

There’s still a lot we don’t know about this show, but I have to commend NBC and the crew of Constantine for faithfully adapting the character’s look for the small screen. It looks a hell of a lot better his look in the 2005 film. Then again, almost anything would be better than that.

SOURCE: Comic Book Resources