Reportedly, Taron Egerton will portray John Constantine in the new Netflix series The Sandman based on Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed DC/Vertigo comic book series. It appears that Deadline has officially confirmed that Egerton is attached to the show, but did not offer any further details in its write-up about his upcoming Apple TV+ drama, In With the Devil.
Separately, Small-Screen.uk reports that “sources” have revealed that Egerton’s role is that of Constantine. Here is what their source said:
“Taron Egerton is involved in the project and he will be playing John Constantine. Filming’s paused right not because of the UK lockdown, but he’ll be filming his scenes for the first season when restrictions are lifted.”
Filming of The Sandman began in October, but it sounds as though it has been put on temporary hold due to COVID-19.
The rest of the cast has been announced, with Tom Sturridge (On the Road) headlining as “The Sandman” himself, also known as Dream. Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones) will co-star as Lucifer, Ruler of Hell, the same character played by Tom Ellis on Netflix’s existing Lucifer series. Charles Dance (also Game of Thrones) portrays Roderick Burgess, “a charlatan, blackmailer, and magician.”
Vivienne Acheampong (The Witches) portrays Lucienne, “the chief librarian and trusted guardian of Dream’s realm.” Boyd Holbrook (Narcos) plays The Corinthian, “an escaped nightmare who wishes to taste all that the world has in store.” Finally, Asim Chaudhry (Black Mirror: Bandersnatch) and Sanjeev Bhaskar (Yesterday) portray Abel and Cain, “the first victim and the first predator, who are residents and loyal subjects of the Dream Realm.”
The Sandman is described by Netflix as:
“A rich blend of modern myth and dark fantasy in which contemporary fiction, historical drama and legend are seamlessly interwoven, The Sandman follows the people and places affected by Morpheus, the Dream King, as he mends the cosmic — and human — mistakes he’s made during his vast existence.”
Egerton won a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Elton John in the biopic Rocketman and is also recognizable for his starring role as Eggsy in the Kingsman movies. He is rumored to be starring in the upcoming remake of Little Shop of Horrors.
The character John Constantine was previously played by Keanu Reeves in the movie which was simply entitled Constantine. Reeves was criticized for having an American accent and black hair, while the comic book character — who was based on rock singer Sting — is British and has blond hair, but the movie has a cult following today. Matt Ryan starred on the TV series, also named Constantine, and currently portrays him on Legends of Tomorrow. The character has also appeared in animation, also usually voiced by Ryan.
Are you excited at the prospect of The Sandman? What about the idea of Taron Egerton as John Constantine?
