American superhero horror thriller Constantine, which Francis Lawrence directed for the first time, came out in 2005. It is based on the Hellblazer comic book from DC Comics and was written by Frank Cappello and Kevin Brodbin. Keanu Reeves plays John Constantine in the movie, a cynical exorcist who can see and speak with half-demons and half-angels in their natural state. Other members of the cast are Peter Stormare, Djimon Hounsou, Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Tilda Swinton, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Gavin Rossdale.

Constantine was theatrically released in the United States on February 18, 2005. It grossed $230.9 million worldwide against a production budget between $70–100 million, but met with a mixed reception from film critics. In Mexico, a scavenger recovers the tip of the spear that pierced Jesus Christ from a ruined church and, after becoming possessed, takes it to Los Angeles. There, cynical occult expert John Constantine exorcises a demon from a young girl after witnessing its attempt to come through her to Earth, something that should be impossible because of a treaty between Heaven and Hell. Suffering from terminal lung cancer, Constantine meets with the half-breed angel Gabriel to request an extension to his life in exchange for his work deporting Hell’s forces. Gabriel responds that performing good deeds for selfish reasons will not secure his way into Heaven.

Elsewhere, detective Angela Dodson is investigating the death of her twin sister Isabel who leapt from a psychiatric hospital roof. Angela refuses to believe her sister, a devout Catholic, would commit suicide, condemning her to Hell. Watching security footage, Angela hears Isabel say “Constantine”, and seeks out his assistance. He refuses to help until he witnesses demons pursuing Angela and fends them off. He uses a ritual to see Isabel in Hell and confirms she killed herself. Constantine tells Angela that he committed suicide as a teenager because he was traumatized by seeing supernatural creatures and, though he was revived, when he dies he is condemned to Hell.