Now that the NBC pilot Constantine has cast Welsh actor Matt Ryan in the title role, we have word that Papa Midnite will be a big part of the pilot as well.

Djimon Hounsou played the character in Warner Bros.' 2005 Constantine, a theatrical adaptation of the Vertigo comic book Hellblazer, although the TV version has not been cast yet. Papa Midnite will be introduced in the pilot, with a subplot that explores his origins and, if the series is picked up, fans will get to see John Constantine and Papa Midnite squaring off numerous times, as the stakes are continually raised. This character wasn't included in our report from last month, which revealed that Chas, a taxi driver who works with Constantine, and two brand new characters will be featured. Chas was played by Shia LaBeouf in the movie, but this version of the character will be much different, with the middle-aged Chas serving as Constantine's muscle.

In the Hellblazer comics, created by Jamie Delano and John Ridgway, Papa Midnite was an immortal mob boss in New York City, whose powers derive from voodoo and necromancy. The series, which is primarily set in and around New York, will also feature Ravenscar Psychiatric Hospital, which was located in the U.K. in the original comics, but will be moved to the Big Apple in the pilot.

David S. Goyer and Daniel Cerone wrote the pilot script, with Neil Marshall set to direct the first episode. Production is slated to begin soon in Atlanta.

Who would you like to see play Papa Midnite in NBC's Constantine? Chime in with your thoughts below.