Constantine Casting Update Brings in Comic Book Series Character

Liv (Lucy Griffiths) has a supernatural second sight, is targeted by demons, teams up with occult detective John Constantine, and was set to be a major character on NBC's Constantine series that debuts this fall. But it was recently revealed that actress Lucy Griffiths had departed from the show, and now the creators of Constantine have announced a new character in Liv's place that should please fans of the DC comic book series the show is based on.

The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Zed, an important character from the comics, will be introduced early in the show's run as the new leading lady. Zed will be played by actress Angelica Celaya (Dallas, Burn Notice). A woman with a dark past, Zed will be Constantine's companion on the show as he takes on the worst hell has to offer. Executive producer David Goyer explained the move at the Television Critics Association press tour, stating that the writers wanted to move away from the "teacher/mentor and a student" relationship of Liv and Constantine to the more dynamic, equal footing relationship of Constantine and Zed.

NBC's Constantine will premiere on Friday, October 24th at 10:00 pm.

“Based on the wildly popular comic book series “Hellblazer” from DC Comics, seasoned demon hunter and master of the occult John Constantine (Matt Ryan, “Criminal Minds”) specializes in giving hell… hell. Armed with a ferocious knowledge of the dark arts and his wickedly naughty wit, he fights the good fight — or at least he did. With his soul already damned to hell, he’s decided to leave his do-gooder life behind, but when demons target Liv (Lucy Griffiths, “True Blood”), the daughter of one of Constantine’s oldest friends, he’s reluctantly thrust back into the fray – and he’ll do whatever it takes to save her. Before long, it’s revealed that Liv’s “second sight” — an ability to see the worlds behind our world and predict Supernatural occurrences — is a threat to a mysterious new evil that’s rising in the shadows.

Now it’s not just Liv who needs protection; the angels are starting to get worried too. So, together, Constantine and Liv must use her power and his skills to travel the country, find the demons that threaten our world and send them back where they belong. After that, who knows… maybe there’s hope for him and his soul after all.

The cast also includes Harold Perrineau and Charles Halford. Writer Daniel Cerone (“The Mentalist,” “Dexter”) serves as executive producer with David S. Goyer (“Man of Steel,” “The Dark Knight Rises”). “Constantine” is produced from Bonanza Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. The show is based upon characters published by DC Entertainment.”