First official image revealed of Matt Ryan as John Constantine

Production begins on new NBC new pilot from Warner Bros. Television, based upon characters published by DC Entertainment 

As production begins on the new pilot "Constantine" - from executive producers Daniel Cerone and David S. Goyer and director Neil Marshall - NBC, Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment are today releasing the first official image of series star Matt Ryan in character as John Constantine.

"I've been a fan of John Constantine since he was first introduced in 1985. This Constantine, envisioned by Neil Marshall and embodied by Matt Ryan, looks like he sprang directly from the comics' covers. Fans old and new are going to be in for a treat," Goyer said.

"Constantine" follows enigmatic and irreverent Liverpool con-man-turned-occult-detective John Constantine, who is reluctantly thrust into the role of defending this world against dark forces from beyond.

Featured in hundreds of comic book issues, John Constantine has been a DC Comics staple since his first appearance as a supporting character in "Swamp Thing" in 1985. The character was subsequently featured in his own bestselling "Hellblazer" and "Constantine" comic book series.

UK native Ryan ("The Tudors," "Torchwood") stars as the title character.

NBC photo