While it would have been interesting to see Reeves become a part of the DCU as Constantine, it is better for both the new DC Universe and Constantine 2 that the film is an Elseworlds project. This way, the DCU can get its own comics-true version of John Constantine in the future, perhaps starting with a role in the upcoming Swamp Thing before a full Justice League Dark movie. On the other hand, not being part of the DCU, Constantine 2 has much more creative freedom.
Not taking place in the DCU also presents an exciting challenge for the film, as Gunn raised the bar for Constantine 2. The DC Studios co-CEO has revealed that films developed under the Elseworlds banner will need to be really good to be made, with a higher quality bar than that used to give the green light to DCU projects. Based on that, Lawrence, Reeves and Constantine 2 screenwriter Akiva Goldsman will have to come up with a unique story for the film to hit screens, generating excitement for the long-awaited sequel.