One consequence of Warner Bros.’ decision to launch an inter-connected universe is the fact that the studio is primed to introduce a new take on DC’s Green Lantern property, effectively kicking Martin Campbell’s commercial dud to the kerb. For months now, we’ve heard that Star Trek Into Darkness‘ Chris Pine is in contention for the role of Hal Jordan, but there have murmurings that the reboot will feature dual protagonists.
These rumors came to a head during Warner’s Comic-Con panel earlier this month, where it revealed that the 2020 release would be titled Green Lantern Corps, all but confirming that Hal Jordan won’t be the only Lantern to light up the screen in DC’s shared cinematic universe.
[zerg]With the tone and set-up now leaning towards that of a buddy cop movie, with fellow Lantern John Stewart likely to fill the other spot, Fast & Furious stalwart Tyrese Gibson recently confirmed that he has indeed held talks with WB about a potential role in Green Lantern Corps.
“I’ve already had a couple of meetings at Warner Bros., so we’ll see what happens. I do believe that there needs to be more black superheroes out there, but that’s not even my motivation. I think I would be the best Green Lantern and based on my fans and supporters that spent around $6 billion in box office receipts, I feel like there’s a fanbase of fans out there waiting to see me put on this green suit and do my thing. So I would love to confirm something today but I can’t. We’ll just keep following up.”
While this will come as no surprise to those who keep up with Gibson’s Instagram posts, it’s refreshing to hear the actor’s enthusiasm about the possibility of leading the franchise. After all, Gibson makes a valid point in that Hollywood needs more black superheroes, and his confident swagger and demeanour could be exactly the thing to help Green Lantern Corps stand out against its DC cinematic brethren.
Green Lantern Corps is still a ways away, now that Warner Bros.’ reboot has been pegged for a 2020 release, so there’s plenty of time for the studio to assemble its cast. Stay tuned as we’ll bring you more as we get it.
