John Constantine, the sardonic occult detective, doesn’t directly appear in the Lucifer series on Netflix. However, his presence is alluded to and his actions heavily influence events in Season 3, Episode 24, titled “A Devil of My Word.”
Constantine’s Indirect Involvement: The Genesis of a Problem
While fans yearned for a full-fledged crossover between the Lucifer and Constantine universes, it never fully materialized on screen. Yet, understanding Constantine’s role requires examining the complex relationships and events within the show. This episode marks a pivotal moment concerning Chloe Decker’s understanding of Lucifer’s true nature and the implications of his celestial powers, and Constantine is instrumental, albeit off-screen, in setting these events into motion.
Understanding the Connection: Candy Morningstar
The key to Constantine’s involvement lies with Candy Morningstar, Lucifer’s ex-wife. Lucifer fabricated his marriage to Candy as a means of protecting his mother, Charlotte Richards, from the dangers of the human world and celestial interference. Candy, however, was not merely a pawn in Lucifer’s plan; she was a skilled grifter with a troubled past.
Constantine’s Influence on Candy’s Fate
Lucifer tasked Constantine with finding and training Candy to play the role of his wife convincingly. Constantine provided her with the necessary skills and knowledge to convincingly portray the part, ensuring Lucifer’s plan wouldn’t crumble under scrutiny. His influence, therefore, is indirect but undeniable in this pivotal storyline.
FAQ: Delving Deeper into Constantine’s Role (or Lack Thereof)
Here are frequently asked questions to shed further light on the absence of John Constantine and his subtle influence in the Lucifer universe:
FAQ 1: Why Doesn’t Matt Ryan Play Constantine in Lucifer?
Matt Ryan, the actor primarily associated with John Constantine, never portrayed the character in Lucifer. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including:
- Licensing and Rights: Different production companies held the rights to the Lucifer and Constantine characters, making a simple crossover legally complex.
- Network Restrictions: Lucifer initially aired on Fox before moving to Netflix. Cross-network crossovers are often challenging to arrange.
- Narrative Focus: The writers may have felt that introducing Constantine directly would detract from the established storylines and character arcs of Lucifer.
FAQ 2: Is Constantine Mentioned by Name in Lucifer?
While Constantine doesn’t physically appear, the show does allude to him. Lucifer mentions that he employed someone to train Candy Morningstar to act as his wife. Although Constantine’s name isn’t explicitly stated, the implication is clear given his established background in the DC universe.
FAQ 3: What are the Clues Suggesting Constantine’s Involvement?
The clues linking Constantine to Candy’s training are subtle but compelling:
- Candy’s Uncharacteristic Competence: Candy’s ability to convincingly play the role of Lucifer’s wife, despite her background as a small-time grifter, suggests she received specialized training.
- Lucifer’s Implied Connection to the Occult: Lucifer’s familiarity with supernatural figures, even if he doesn’t usually involve himself with them directly, makes it plausible he would seek out Constantine’s expertise.
- Thematic Resonance: Constantine’s world of magic and demons shares thematic elements with Lucifer, making his involvement a plausible extension of the show’s mythology.
FAQ 4: Does the Arrowverse Constantine Affect Lucifer’s Canon?
No. While Matt Ryan played Constantine in the Arrowverse (in series like Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, and Constantine), the Lucifer series exists in a separate continuity. Therefore, any events or character developments in the Arrowverse Constantine’s storyline do not affect Lucifer‘s narrative.
FAQ 5: Could Constantine Appear in a Future Lucifer Project?
The Lucifer series concluded on Netflix. While any future revivals or spin-offs are purely speculative, the possibility of incorporating Constantine in some form remains, albeit unlikely given the complexities of rights and creative decisions.
FAQ 6: What Other DC Characters Could Fit in Lucifer’s World?
Several DC characters could potentially fit into the world of Lucifer, particularly those involved with the supernatural or angelic realms. Some possibilities include:
- The Spectre: A spirit of vengeance, The Spectre could potentially interact with Lucifer in matters of justice and punishment.
- Zatanna: A stage magician and powerful sorceress, Zatanna could offer a contrasting perspective on magic and the occult compared to Lucifer’s celestial powers.
- Phantom Stranger: A mysterious figure with vast knowledge of the supernatural, the Phantom Stranger could serve as a guide or advisor to Lucifer.
FAQ 7: Why Didn’t DC Force a More Direct Crossover?
While a full-fledged crossover might have appealed to some fans, it could have risked alienating viewers unfamiliar with the broader DC universe. Lucifer achieved success by establishing its own distinct identity and narrative style. A forced crossover could have disrupted that established formula.
FAQ 8: How Does Candy Morningstar Contribute to the Plot After Constantine’s Training?
Candy Morningstar’s character arc, initiated by Constantine’s training, leads to significant plot developments. Her eventual death, orchestrated by a powerful figure, forces Lucifer to confront his own vulnerabilities and deepen his commitment to Chloe.
FAQ 9: Is There Any Fanfiction Featuring Constantine and Lucifer?
Yes. The internet is teeming with fanfiction exploring the potential interactions between Constantine and Lucifer. These stories range from humorous encounters to complex explorations of their respective powers and motivations.
FAQ 10: Is There a Constantine Easter Egg in Lucifer?
While there isn’t a blatant “easter egg,” the subtle allusions to occult training and Lucifer’s knowledge of figures outside of the celestial realm can be interpreted as nods to the broader DC universe, including Constantine’s area of expertise.
FAQ 11: What Other Shows Feature John Constantine?
Apart from the Arrowverse shows, John Constantine has appeared in his own short-lived NBC series, Constantine, as well as the animated movie Justice League Dark.
FAQ 12: Where Can I Watch Constantine-Related Content?
Depending on your region, you can typically find Constantine (the NBC series) and episodes of Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow featuring Constantine on streaming services like HBO Max or through digital rentals/purchases.
Conclusion: The Subtle Power of Absence
While John Constantine never graces the screen in Lucifer, his shadowy influence shapes a crucial narrative arc. The indirect connection highlights the interconnected nature of the supernatural and the clever ways writers can integrate established characters without compromising the integrity of their own stories. This subtlety underscores the complex world-building of Lucifer, leaving fans to ponder the unseen forces at play and the potential for future explorations within this captivating universe. The lack of a direct appearance allows the character to retain an air of mystery while adding depth to the narrative.