After an extensive search, it looks like NBC has finally found its villain for Constantine. According to USA Today, newcomer Michael James Shaw has been cast in a recurring role as Papa Midnite, the “voodoo king of New Orleans” and a formidable magical adversary to the series’ titular supernatural detective.
Shaw is known for such riveting roles as “Caterer” in Today _ _ cks, “Homesless Man” on The Wire (uncredited), and “Don-o-mite” in an eponymous 2014 short film. Needless to say, Constantine is the biggest role he’s landed yet, and I’m interested to see what he does with it.
Papa Midnite was last played by Gladiator and Guardians of the Galaxy alum Djimon Hounsou, who was great in an otherwise lackluster film. In the comics, Midnite first appeared in Hellblazer issue #1 as an immortal mob boss, businessman, and voodoo practitioner operating out of New York City. He often operates on the wrong side of the law, but according to USA Today, he and John Constantine “might have to hug it out and become uneasy allies” when evil forces begin rising on Earth.
Directed by Neil Marshall, the pilot for Constantine premieres on October 24th, 2014 on NBC. That episode has already been shot, so it looks like Papa Midnite won’t be showing up until a few episodes in.
Starring Matt Ryan, Harold Perrineau, Charles Halfrod, and Angelica Celaya, the series is produced by Daniel Cerone (Dexter), David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight, Man of Steel), and Mark Verheiden (Smallville, Battlestar Galactica).