Magic Man: Matt Ryan Brings Constantine to ‘Arrow’ (VIDEO)

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When you’ve got a problem with a recently resurrected friend, who ya gonna call? If you live in the world of DC Comics TV, the answer is always John Constantine.

The charmingly irreverent supernatural detective makes his debut on Arrow tonight (Wednesday, Nov. 4, 8/7c, The CW), less than a year after his own NBC series was canceled. Welsh actor Matt Ryan reprises the role, bringing much joy to the dedicated “Hellblazers” fans who valiantly pursued a #SaveConstantine campaign.

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In the episode, “Haunted,” it is revealed that Oliver (Stephen Amell) has a history with the “exorcist, demonologist and master of the dark arts” (as his business card famously reads). Oliver has kept Constantine on speed dial, and recruits him to help restore the soul of Sara (Caity Lotz), whose resurrection via the Lazarus Pit this season has not gone smoothly. “John owes a debt to Oliver,” Ryan teases. “John is the reluctant hero, you know. He’s not someone who will go out of his way for anyone unless it benefits him.”

Fans should enjoy the chemistry between the sardonic mage and the relentlessly serious Green Arrow. “What’s really interesting about this episode is the dynamic between the two of them,” Ryan says. “John’s sense of humor, I think in any situation is always really fun to play, to see how people react to him. And seeing this arrogant, chain-smoking, trench coat-wearing, guy interact with all the team on Arrow is really, really fun.”

Ryan, currently starring on Broadway in the play Thérèse Raquin (opposite Keira Knightley), was grateful for the opportunity to reprise this role, and gives a special shout-out to Amell, “a champion of [Constantine] since it started.”