Constantine Will Not Be Allowed to Smoke on TV

John Constantine will be tobacco (and cancer) free in new NBC series

Fans of DC/Vertigo character John Constantine, aka “Hellblazer,” have been anticipating the upcoming NBC TV series based on the character as a corrective to the 2005 movie with Keanu Reeves – which made extensive changes to the character’s mythos and behavior. But it’s now been revealed that Reeves’ version will remain closer to the original in at least one respect: TV’s Constantine will not be a smoker.

The question of whether or not the character’s signature chain-smoking habit (and attendant cancer affliction) would be part of the series has been in question from the beginning, as most U.S. TV networks have strict rules against portraying heavy tobacco use. In an interview with Collider, pilot-episode director Neil Marshall was asked point-blank about the detail and answered:

“No we’re not. It’s the one thing, a compromise I guess. On network it’s the one thing you can’t smoke on network. That’s one of his character traits. We’re working around that. We’re trying to get aspects of it in there as much as possible. We’ll see.”

Created in 1985 by Alan Moore in the pages of his famous Swamp Thing run, John Constantine is an occult detective who investigates/battles demons and other supernatural threats. He will be portrayed by Welsh actor Matt Ryan.

Source: Collider

Recommended Videos

The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article PWR up with Team PWR and Garnier’s blemish-beating blackout challenge
Read Article Monopoly GO Players Are Fed Up With Golden Stickers
Monopoly GO Missing Golden Stickers
Read Article MLB The Show 24 Update Makes Players Look Downright Terrifying
A player with a messed up face in MLB The Show 24.
Related Content
Read Article PWR up with Team PWR and Garnier’s blemish-beating blackout challenge
Read Article Monopoly GO Players Are Fed Up With Golden Stickers
Monopoly GO Missing Golden Stickers
Read Article MLB The Show 24 Update Makes Players Look Downright Terrifying
A player with a messed up face in MLB The Show 24.
Author
Bob Chipman
Bob Chipman is a critic and author.