Justice League Dark: Why Matt Ryan should remain John Constantine

Matt Ryan plays such a perfect John Constantine in the Arrowverse that not using him in the Justice League Dark series would be a mistake.

Comic book TV shows are more popular than ever. Some might even argue that they’re on their way to becoming more popular than the comic book movies.

It certainly helps that you can watch them from the privacy of your own home. They’ve also become more geared towards adults. The Walking Dead, The Boys, and Jessica Jones are just a few of these well-received maturer comic book shows. Last year, HBO got into the game in 2019 with Watchmen, and the show was such a hit. Now, upcoming streaming service HBO Max will be producing a Justice League Dark show.

Justice League Dark isn’t like the Justice League you’re used to. The comic books on which it the show will be based revolve around the more grim and mystical parts of the world. Characters like Zatanna, Deadman, and Swamp Thing are will more than likely appear on this show. However, there’s one more character who has to be present for the series to work: John Constantine has to take the lead.

A rockstar master of magic, Constantine is a very popular character and, as he could end up leading the show, he’s the one that could very well bring in viewers. He’s a manipulative jerk – someone that a regular person would try to avoid. However, he makes for a great character to have on the show. He’s funny, powerful, and, at times, will even surprise you with his chivalry.

Since 2014, Matt Ryan has been the voice and face of John Constantine. He’s played him in the 2014 Constantine series, voiced him in the Justice League Dark cartoon, before joining The CW’s Arrowverse through a guest appearance on Arrow. He currently portrays him in a  regular capacity on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.

It would only make sense for Ryan to also play him in the HBO Max Justice League Dark. He’s been incredible from the very beginning. Don’t let his one-and-done season of the Constantine series fool you. Matt Ryan’s depiction of John Constantine was flawless. Yes, it’s a shame that they canceled the program. However, this is a chance to right that wrong – especially because we don’t need another version of the character.

Let’s look at a complaint that people had regarding the DC Extended Universe. When the cast was being worked out, fans of The Flash on The CW were hoping that Grant Gustin would reprise his role as Barry Allen on the big screen. He was a recognized face that people would have gravitated to – especially since he was so popular. The same was said when the thought of Green Arrow joining the team was thrown around: Use Stephen Amell – everyone loves him.

Well, they didn’t use Grant Gustin as Ezra Miller would go on to play the role and, in spite of the fact that the Green Arrow hasn’t surfaced in the DCEU yet, Stephen Amell hung up the arrows and quiver for good when Arrow ended earlier this year.

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Warner Bros.’ decision to cast a different Flash was disappointing to say the least, but now they can learn from their mistakes.

Naysayers will undoubtedly claim that we can’t have the same Constantine on two different properties. Two things: First off, yes we can. The good thing about the Arrowverse is the multiverse that surrounds it. We’ve seen that Constantine can move through dimensions – he did it in The CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. It wouldn’t take much for him to journey to a reality where he was killed or never existed.

Secondly, the beauty of alternate earths means that he can look the same, act the same and not actually be the same one. It’s a simple solution that solves everything. That’s the good thing about DC Comics officially making alternate universes a thing on shows and movies. It explains multiple Earths and a host of other things.

Matt Ryan is perfect. As it was mentioned earlier, he’s a recognized face and a perfect Constantine.  So while HBO Max may not have a problem bringing in viewers, it can’t hurt to rely on an established name like him. Plus, you’ll have a guy who’s has more experience with the character than anyone. Not only is that something you can’t teach, it’s less work for the creators.

Since Matt Ryan knows how to play Constantine, they won’t have to work hard getting him into or introducing him to the character. As far as fans are concerned, Matt Ryan is John Constantine.

All HBO Max has to do is make it happen.

Would you like to see Matt Ryan portray John Constantine in Justice League Dark? Let us know in the comments below!